Book of Church Order

Appendices

Includes all amendments approved up to and including the 51st General Assembly held in Richmond, Virginia, June 11-14, 2024

Editorial Note:  None of these Appendices have constitutional authority.  They are provided for information.

OPTIONAL FORMS FOR PARTICULAR SERVICES

These forms were approved by the General Assembly, to be printed with the Book of Church Order, but not to be a part of the Constitution.  They were derived from the PCUS Book as approved in 1893, and from the OPC Book as approved in 1940.  Appendix G was adapted from forms used by the OPC and RPCNA.

APPENDIX A MARRIAGE SERVICE

APPENDIX B A SECOND MARRIAGE SERVICE

APPENDIX C A FUNERAL SERVICE

APPENDIX D A CHILD’S FUNERAL

APPENDIX E GRAVESIDE SERVICE

APPENDIX F THE DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING

APPENDIX G SUGGESTED FORMS FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH THE RULES OF DISCIPLINE

APPENDIX H SUGGESTED PROCEDURES FOR PRESBYTERY JUDICIAL COMMISSIONS ACTING AS APPELLATE COURTS

APPENDIX I BIBLICAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION

APPENDIX J SAMPLE FORM FOR TERMS OF CALL

APPENDIX A

MARRIAGE SERVICE

Whether the marriage is in the church or in a private house, the betrothed shall present themselves attended by witnesses, the man having the woman at his left hand, before the minister, who shall say:

The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace  (Numbers 6:24-26).

If any here present can show just cause why these persons may not lawfully be joined together in marriage, let them now speak, or hereafter forever hold their peace.

Marriage is a divine ordinance instituted for the promotion of man’s happiness and the glory of God.  The sacredness of the relation is revealed by the fact that the Holy Spirit has selected it as an apt emblem of the union existing between our Lord and His bride, the Church.  Hence, beloved friends, take heed to the exhortation of the inspired apostle, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it”  (Ephesians 5:26).  “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord”  (Ephesians 5:22).  The happiness contemplated by this union is realized only by those who fully appreciate its sacredness and are faithful in the performance of the mutual obligations growing out of it, and seek daily God’s blessing.

And now as you enter into this new relation, consecrated by heaven’s benediction and hallowed by all that is tenderest and truest in human affection, I entreat you both to join with me in the prayer that God may bless this union, and sanctify it to the furtherance of your good and to the glory of His most holy Name.

The Prayer

Most gracious God, fountain of life and love and joy, look with merciful favor upon these your servants now to be joined in holy wedlock, and enable them ever to remember and truly keep the vows which they make as they enter into covenant with one another and with you, in accordance with the Holy Word, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Covenant

Here the parties join their right hands, and the minister says:

Do you, M–, take N–, whom you now hold by the hand to be your lawful and wedded wife, and do you promise in the presence of God and these witnesses to be to her a faithful, loving and devoted husband, so long as you both shall live?

The man answers:

I do.

The minister shall say:

Do you, N–, take M–, whom you now hold by the hand to be your lawful and wedded husband and do you promise in the presence of God and these witnesses to be to him a faithful, loving and obedient wife, so long as you both shall live?

The woman answers:

I do.

If a ring is given and received, the minister shall say:

Let this ring be the token of your plighted faith, and the memorial of your mutual and unending love.

Then the minister, addressing himself to the company present, says:

Forasmuch as these persons have covenanted together in marriage in accordance with the laws of the commonwealth, I do now pronounce them husband and wife, after the ordinance of God.  “Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate”  (Matthew 19:6).

The Prayer

Almighty and ever blessed God, our heavenly Father, place the seal of your loving approval upon the union of these two hearts and lives in the sacred bonds of matrimony.  Enable your servants, by the gift of thy sufficient grace to be faithful in keeping the vows they have now assumed.  Whether in prosperity or in adversity, in sickness or in health, in sorrow or in joy, may their love and sympathy for each other never fail.  Into your holy keeping we now commit them, praying that they may ever live “as being heirs together of the grace of life” (1 Peter 3:7).  For Jesus’ sake.  Amen.

Benediction

Then the married pair standing, or kneeling, the minister shall pronounce the benediction:

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you, and so fill you with his grace that you may live faithfully together in this life and in the world to come may have life everlasting.  Amen.

APPENDIX B

A SECOND MARRIAGE SERVICE

At the time and place appointed for the solemnization of matrimony, the persons to be married shall take their places before the minister, the man having the woman at his left hand, and all present reverently standing.

The minister shall say:

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the presence of God to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.

Marriage was instituted by God himself in the time of man’s innocency and uprightness.  The Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him”  (Genesis 2:18).  Thereupon God created woman of man’s own substance and brought her to the man.  Our Lord Jesus Christ honored marriage by His presence at the wedding in Cana of Galilee.  And He confirmed it as a divine ordinance and a union not to be severed when He declared, “Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate”  (Matthew 19:6).  Moreover, the apostle Paul set forth the sacred and exalted nature of marriage when he likened it to the mystical union that subsists between Christ and His Church.

The purpose of marriage is the enrichment of the lives of those who enter into this estate, the propagation of the race, and the extension of Christ’s Church to the glory of the covenant God.

Let us reverently hear what the Holy Scriptures teach concerning the duty of husbands to their wives and of wives to their husbands:

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify, and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word.  …So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies”  (Ephesians 5:25-28).

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.  For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is the head of the church, and He is the Savior of the body”  (Ephesians 5:22-23).

These two persons are come to be joined in this holy estate of marriage.  If any man can show just cause why they may not lawfully be wedded, let him now declare it, or else hereafter forever hold his peace.

I require and charge you both that, if either of you knows any cause why you may not be lawfully joined together in matrimony, you do now confess it.

Let us pray:

Most holy and most merciful Father, at once the God of nature and of grace, creator, preserver and redeemer of mankind, fill these, your servant and your handmaiden, with a sense of the solemnity of the vows they are about to make.  May they look to you for your assistance, and enter into these sacred obligations in humble dependence upon your enabling grace.  Grant this, O Father, with the forgiveness of our sins, through Jesus Christ, your Son.  Amen.

After prayer the minister shall say:

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

The father of the woman, or someone in his stead, shall place her right hand in that of the minister, and the minister shall cause the man to take with his right hand the right hand of the woman.

The minister shall then say:

M–, will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to live with her after God’s commandments in the holy estate of marriage?  And will you love her, honor and cherish her, so long as you both shall live?

The man shall answer:

I will.

Then the minister shall say:

N–, will you have this man to be your wedded husband, to live with him after God’s commandments in the holy estate of marriage?  And will you love him, cherish and obey him, so long as you both shall live?

The woman shall answer:

I will.

The man shall say:

I, M–, take you, N–, to be my wedded wife, and I do promise and covenant before God and these witnesses to be your loving and faithful husband in sickness and in health, in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, as long as we both shall live.

The woman shall say:

I, N–, take you, M–, to be my wedded husband, and I do promise and covenant before God and these witnesses to be your loving and faithful wife in sickness and in health, in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, as long as we both shall live.

The man shall then put the ring on the third finger of the woman’s left hand, and shall say after the minister:

This ring I give you as a symbol and pledge of constant faith and abiding love.

The minister shall say to the woman:

Do you, N–, receive this ring as a token of your pledge to keep this covenant and perform these vows?

The woman shall say:

I do.

The minister shall say:

Let us pray.

After prayer the minister shall say:

By virtue of the authority committed unto me by the church of Christ and the law of the state, I now pronounce you, M–, and N–, husband and wife, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

APPENDIX C

A FUNERAL SERVICE

Let the service begin with the reading of the whole or a part of the following selections from Scripture:

I am the resurrection and the life; He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.  And whoever lives and believes in Me, shall never die  (John 11:25-26).

Man who is born of woman is of few days, and full of trouble.  He comes forth like a flower, and fades away; he flees like a shadow, and does not continue  (Job 14:1-2).

For we are aliens and pilgrims before You, as were all our fathers; our days on the earth are as a shadow, and without hope (1 Chronicles 29:15).

We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out (1 Timothy 6:7).

The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away:  blessed be the name of the Lord (Job 1:21).

Prayer of Invocation:

O God, You who are our God, and our fathers’ God; You whose compassions fail not, but who are the same yesterday, today, and forever, grant us now your presence, we beseech you, that our souls may be strengthened, and that we faint not under your afflicting providence, but that through your condescension we may find all grace to help in this our time of need, which we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, to whom, with You and the Holy Ghost, we will ascribe all honor, majesty and might, world without end.  Amen.

Hymn.

Then let the whole or a part of the following selections of Scripture be read:

Psalm 39:4-13:

Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am.

Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing before You; certainly every man at his best state is but vapor.  Selah.

Surely every man walks about like a shadow; surely they busy themselves in vain; he heaps up riches, and does not know who will gather them.

And now, Lord, what do I wait for?  My hope is in You.

Deliver me from all my transgressions; do not make me the reproach of the foolish.

I was mute, I did not open my mouth, because it was You who did it.

Remove Your plague from me; I am consumed by the blow of Your hand.

When with rebukes You correct man for iniquity, You make his beauty melt away like a moth; surely every man is vapor.  Selah

Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; do not be silent at my tears; for I am a stranger with You, a sojourner, as all my fathers were.

Remove Your gaze from me, that I may regain strength, before I go away and am no more.

Psalm 90:1-12:

Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.

You turn man to destruction, and say, “Return, O children of men.”

For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night.

You carry them away like a flood; they are like a sleep.  In the morning they are like grass which grows up:

In the morning it flourishes and grows up; in the evening it is cut down and withers.

For we have been consumed by Your anger, and by Your wrath we are terrified.

You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your countenance.

For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; we finish our years like a sigh.

The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

Who knows the power of Your anger?  For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath.

So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

1 Corinthians 15:20-58:

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.  For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.  But each one in his own order:  Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.  Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.  For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.  The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.  For “He has put all things under His feet.”  But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted.  Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all?  Why then are they baptized for the dead?  And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour?  I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.  If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me?  If the dead do not rise, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”  Do not be deceived:  “Evil company corrupts good habits.”  Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God.  I speak this to your shame. But someone will say, “How are the dead raised up?  And with what body do they come?”  Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies.  And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain — perhaps wheat or some other grain.  But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.  All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fish, and another of birds.  There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.  There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory.  So also is the resurrection of the dead.  The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption.  It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory.  It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.  It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.  There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.  And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.”  The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.  However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual.  The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven.  As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly.  And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.

Behold, I tell you a mystery:  We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.  For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written:  “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

“O Death, where is your sting?  O Hades, where is your victory?”

The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Instead of the foregoing passage from 1 Corinthians 15, one or more of the following may be substituted as the occasion may require:

Ecclesiastes 12:1-7:

Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them”:  While the sun and the light, the moon and the stars, are not darkened, and the clouds do not return after the rain; in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men bow down; when the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look through the windows grow dim; when the doors are shut in the streets, and the sound of grinding is low; when one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of music are brought low; also when they are afraid of height, and of terrors in the way; when the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper is a burden, and desire fails.  For man goes to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets.

Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the well.  Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.

Psalm 27:

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell.  Though an army should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise against me, in this I will be confident.

One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek:  that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.  For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.

And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice!  Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.  When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”  Do not hide Your face from me; do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation.  When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.

Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.  Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence.  I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!

Revelation 22:1-5:

And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.  In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month.  And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.  And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.  They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.  And there shall be no night there:  they need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light.  And they shall reign forever and ever.

Prayer:

Almighty and most merciful God, our heavenly Father, the consolation of the sorrowful and the support of the stricken, who does not willingly afflict the children of men, look in pity, we beseech you, on all upon whom You have laid your afflicting hand, and, in the multitude of Your tender mercies, be pleased to uphold and comfort them in the day of their trial and distress.  Grant us all grace that we may lay to heart the lesson of this solemn providence, and work while the day lasts, knowing that the night comes, when no man can work; and that we may set our affections on things that are in heaven, and not on things that are on the earth.  Enable us to live by faith in the Son of God, that when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, we also may appear with Him in glory.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world, to whom shall we go but to You?  You have the words of eternal life.  You who were a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief, have pity upon those who cry unto You.  When our eyes grow dim in the shadows of death, and we pass through the deep waters, by Your agony and bloody sweat, and by Your death on Calvary, we beseech You to remember us.  O You who have saved us forsake us not in the trying hour; You who has vanquished death, give us the victory, and bring us to Your own everlasting rest in the assembly of Your saints on high.

O God, the Holy Ghost, author of light and life and truth, inspire our souls with hope through the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, imparting the benefits of His atonement, and the power of His all-sufficient grace.  Release us from our sins; fill us with the fruits of Your own indwelling, and form us anew in the image of God.  Help us now, O blessed Comforter; heal our wounded spirits and do not despise our broken and contrite hearts.

O God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, Triune Jehovah, have mercy upon us, Your servants, as we wait before You: and hear our prayer.  Be pleased graciously to attend to our humble requests, and to do for us all that we need, glorifying Yourself by us both in this present world, and in that which is to come:  all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.  Your kingdom come.  Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one:  For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.  Amen.

Benediction:

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.  Amen.

After which the service may be concluded with a hymn.  For service at the grave, see Appendix E.

APPENDIX D

A CHILD’S FUNERAL

Let the service begin with the reading of the whole or a part of the following selections from Scripture:

May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you; may He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion (Psalm 20:1-1).

Man who is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.  He comes forth like a flower, and fades away; he flees like a shadow and does not continue (Job 14:1).

The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord (Job 1:21).

Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

Prayer:

Father of mercies, God of all grace, ever comforting us by the tender assurance of Your love for all those whom you chasten, be near to us now in this hour of sorrow, as we come to cast our care upon You, and seek the strength and consolation You only can impart.

As a father pities His children, so do You pity those who sit before You, smitten and afflicted.  As one whom his mother comforts, do You comfort them, and so sanctify to them this sorrow that theirs may be everlasting consolation.

O You who leads Joseph like a flock, who knows Your own sheep by name as they follow You, carrying the lambs in Your arms and folding them in Your bosom, it is not Your will that one of these little ones should perish.  When You do send your messenger, like a gentle shepherd, to lead them into the heavenly pastures, may bereaved parents hear the voice which says, “Let the little children come to Me and do not forbid them”  (Matthew 19:14).  Fill them with resignation to Your will; give them the consolations of Your Spirit, and grant that, through Your grace, this chastening may be for their profit, that, being made partakers of Your holiness, they may be prepared for everlasting blessedness in that world where, after the separations and sorrows of this life, they may be forever with one another and with the Lord, through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Savior.  Amen.

Hymn.

The minister may read the whole or a part of the following selections:

Psalm 23:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.  He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

2 Samuel 12:16-23:

David therefore pleaded with God for the child, and David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground.  So the elders of his house arose and went to him, to raise him up from the ground.  But he would not, nor did he eat food with them.  Then on the seventh day it came to pass that the child died.  And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead.  For they said, “Indeed, while the child was still alive, we spoke to him, and he would not heed our voice.  How can we tell him that the child is dead?  He may do some harm!”  When David saw that his servants were whispering, David perceived that the child was dead.  Therefore David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?”  And they said, “He is dead.”  So David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped.  Then he went to his own house; and when he requested, they set food before him, and he ate.  Then his servants said to him, “What is this that you have done?  You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive, but when the child died, you arose and ate food?”  So he said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who can tell whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’  “But now he is dead; why should I fast?  Can I bring him back again?  I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”

Isaiah 51:12, 66:13:

I, even I, am He who comforts you. . . .As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.

John 13:7:

What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.

Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-12:

My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.  If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? . . . Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.  Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.

Romans 8:15-18:

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs–heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.  For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

John 14:1-2:

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

Isaiah 40:1, 11:

Comfort, comfort My people, says your God. . . .He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom.

Mark 10:13-16:

Then they brought young children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.  But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.  Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”  And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.

Matthew 18:10-14:

Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.  For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.  What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

Revelation 7:15-17:

Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple.  And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.  They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters.  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

Prayer:

O God, our heavenly Father, who through the blood of Your Son has provided redemption for all Your own, we would render to You most hearty thanks, in this our time of grief, for the sure confidence we have that the soul of this dear child whose loss we mourn is at rest in You.  Not a sparrow falls to the ground without our Father, and those who are of more value than many sparrows cannot die until You, who regards with tender compassion the weakest of Your creatures, call them to Yourself.  We would not sorrow as those who have no hope, but bow in humble submission to Your sovereign decree, and by divine grace would say, Your will be done.

Vouchsafe unto Your servants, we beseech You, the consolations of Your Spirit, giving us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.  May this chastisement which now seems so grievous yield us the peaceable fruits of righteousness, by drawing us into closer fellowship with You, that we may not set our affections on the things of this world; but upon that blessed home above, where all who have departed in Christ await us beyond the reach of sorrow.

Shine upon our darkness, O Lord; pardon all our sins; build us up and strengthen us in our most holy faith; and at last give us the victory over death, bringing us in holiness and joy to Your own eternal rest.

Hear now our prayer, O God, and be pleased mercifully to bestow the blessings which we need, for the love of Jesus Christ, Your well-beloved Son, to whom, with You and the Holy Spirit, be all dominion, glory and praise, world without end.  Amen.

Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.  Your kingdom come.  Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.  For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

Benediction:

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.  Amen.

Hymn.

APPENDIX E

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

After the body has been lowered into the grave (or to sea), the following words may be said:

Forasmuch as it has pleased Almighty God, in His wise providence, to take out of this world the soul of our deceased (brother), we therefore commit (his) body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust:  awaiting the hour when all who are in the graves will hear the voice of the Son of God, and come forth, “those who have done good, to the resurrection of life and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation”  (John 5:29).

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have not hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).

Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them” (Revelation 14:13).

Prayer:

Almighty God, who has sanctified the grave by Your Son’s rest therein, and by His glorious resurrection has brought life and immortality to light, accept, we pray, our unfeigned thanks for the victory which He has obtained for us and for all who sleep in Him, and keep us who are still in the body, in everlasting fellowship with all that wait for You on earth, and with all that are around You in heaven, in union with Him who is the resurrection and the life, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.  Amen.

O Merciful God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and the life; in whom whosoever believes, shall live, though he die; and whosoever lives and believes in Him, shall not die eternally; who also has taught us, by His holy Apostle Paul, not to be sorry, as men without hope, for those who sleep in Him; we humbly beseech You, O Father, to raise us from the death of sin unto the life of righteousness; that when we shall depart this life, we may rest in Him; and that, at the general resurrection in the last day, we may be found acceptable in Your sight; and receive that blessing, which Your well-beloved Son shall then pronounce to all who love and fear You, saying, Come, blessed children of my Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world.  Grant this, we beseech You O merciful Father, through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer.  Amen.*

Benediction:

Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.  Amen (Hebrews 13:20-21).

APPENDIX F

THE DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING

The congregation shall stand, and the following portions from the Psalter shall be read by the presiding minister and the people responsively, or, if desired, by the minister alone.

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!  Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing.  Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of his pasture.  Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.  Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.  For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations (Psalm 100).

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.”  Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!  Jerusalem is built as a city that is compact together, where the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, to the Testimony of Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord.  For thrones are set there for judgment, the thrones of the house of David.  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:  “May they prosper who love you.  Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces.”  For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, “Peace be within you.”  Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek your good (Psalm 122).

How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of Hosts!  My soul longs, yes, even faints for the court of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.  Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young — even Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.  Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they will still be praising You. … For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.  I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness (Psalm 84:1-4, 10).

The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.  For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the waters.  Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?  Or who may stand in His holy place?  He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully.  He shall receive blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.  This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face.  Selah.  Lift up your heads, O you gates!  And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!  And the King of glory shall come in.  Who is the King of glory?  The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle.  Lift up your heads, O you gates! And lift them up, you everlasting doors!  And the King of glory shall come in.  Who is this King of glory?  The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory.  Selah (Psalm 24).

The minister shall say:

Beloved in the lord, we are gathered to consecrate and set apart this house for the worship of the one living and true God.  Let us therefore dedicate this place to its proper and sacred uses.

Then the minister and the people shall say responsively:

To You, God and Father of Jesus Christ, our Lord:

We dedicate this house.

To You, eternal Son of God, Redeemer of Your people and Head of Thy church:

We dedicate this house.

To You, Spirit of God, lord and giver of life, our teacher, sanctifier and comforter:

We dedicate this house.

For the worship of God in praise and prayer;

For the preaching of the gospel of the grace of God;

For the celebration of the holy Sacraments:

We dedicate this house.

For the diffusion of sacred knowledge;

For the promotion of righteousness;

For the extension of the kingdom of God:

We dedicate this house.

For release of the captives;

For recovering of sight to the blind;

For rest to the heavy laden:

We dedicate this house.

For comfort to those who mourn;

For strength to those who are tempted;

For assurance to those of little faith:

We dedicate this house.

For the sanctifying of the family;

For the nurture of the young;

For the perfection of believers:

We dedicate this house.

In gratitude for the gracious keeping of the divine covenant throughout past generations;

In reliance upon the promise that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church;

In the hope of the eternal glory of the Church Triumphant:

We dedicate this house.

Then the minister shall say:

Beloved in the Lord, seeing that it has pleased Almighty God to prosper us in our undertaking to build (or secure) a house for His worship, let us now invoke upon it His abiding blessing, to the end that pure apostolic doctrine and order may be maintained herein, and that the Holy Spirit may make His own ordinances effectual.  In so doing let us reverently set this house apart for these sacred uses with prayer and supplication.

Let us pray:

Almighty and everlasting God, maker of heaven and earth, who dwells in the high and holy place, with Him also who is of contrite and humble spirit, we adore You for Your manifold perfections, for the infinite majesty and glorious beauty of Your being, and for the truthfulness and sanctity of Your divine revelation.

We give thanks unto You for Your infinite mercies to us, and, in particular, for the gift of Your Son to be our Saviour.  We praise You for the Church of God, of which He is the only Head and King and of which we are humble and unfaithful members.  We acknowledge that we are not worthy to receive from Your hand the blessings of Your common grace; and especially do we recognize the abundance of Your great goodness in granting to us, through Your particular grace, membership in the Church Universal, the mystical Body of Christ.

You have put it into our hearts to prepare this house of worship where men may gather in Your service.  We earnestly beseech You that You will watch over and protect this place which we have dedicated in Your name.  We ask that here may be preached only the pure Gospel of the free grace of God.  May all that is proclaimed be firmly grounded upon the unchanging foundation of Holy Scripture.  Grant that no portion of Your sacred revelation to man may be neglected but that Your servants who minister here shall give to all its parts that due regard which will exhibit its majesty and scope.  We pray that by the favor of Your Spirit sinners may in this house be converted unto You, and that the saints of God, the members of Your holy body, may be built up and edified by the proclamation of Your matchless Word.

May the Holy Spirit of God, the third person of the blessed Trinity ever be present to guide, illumine and inform those who teach here.  May He prepare the hearts of the hearers to receive with meekness the instruction which is presented, so that their lives may show forth the wonders of His grace and truly adorn the doctrine of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Bless this Your house that it may serve without surcease the extension of the kingdom of God.  Teach us to look for the return of the Lord of glory that we shall be quickened day by day in our present service of Him, and shall be always prepared to greet Him and to enter in with Him to the marriage supper of the Lamb, forever to dwell in that holy city where there is no candle neither light of the sun for the Lamb is the light thereof.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever.  Amen  (1 Timothy 1:17).

An offering to the Lord may then be received.

After the singing of an appropriate psalm or hymn, a sermon shall be preached.

APPENDIX G

SUGGESTED FORMS FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH THE RULES OF DISCIPLINE

I. CHARGE AND SPECIFICATIONS

In the name of the Presbyterian Church in America ____________________ (title of the trial judicatory) charges ___________________ with ______________ (name the alleged offense): _________________________ (give references to applicable portions of the Word of God, and, where pertinent, to relevant provisions of the Constitution), against the peace, unity and purity of the Church, and the honor and majesty of the Lord Jesus Christ, as the King and Head thereof.

Specifications:  That on or about _____________ the said ___________________ did __________________ (set forth briefly the place and circumstances of the alleged offense).

Witnesses and/or Documents:  ____________________________ (set forth the names of witnesses and/or titles of documents to be produced in support of the charge and specifications).

__________________________________________(Moderator)

______________________________________(Clerk)

Date:  ___________________________

II. CITATION OF ACCUSED

To__________________:

You are hereby cited to appear before ________________, meeting on ______ at _____ o’clock at _________, then and there to hear and receive certain charges and specifications which have been preferred against you by ___________________ (here insert the title of the trial judicatory) of the Presbyterian Church in America.

(In the case of a second citation, add the appropriate warning prescribed by BCO 32-6.)

By order of ______________ (insert the title of the trial judicatory) of the Presbyterian Church in America.

________________________________________(Moderator)

____________________________________________(Clerk)

Date: ____________________

III. CITATION OF WITNESS

To __________:

You are hereby cited to appear before _____________, meeting on _______ at ________ o’clock, at ______________, then and there to give evidence in the trial of ____________ (here insert the name of the accused.)

(In the case of a second citation of a witness who has failed to appear after one citation, add the warning prescribed in BCO 32-6.)

By order of ___________ (here insert the title of the trial judicatory) of the Presbyterian Church in America.

_____________________________________ (Moderator)

___________________________________________(Clerk)

Date: ___________________

IV. NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPEAL

To __________, Clerk of __________________ (here insert the title of the judicatory form which the appeal is to be taken) of the Presbyterian Church in America.

And now, this _______________ day of ____________, A.D. ___________, comes _________________________ and gives notice of intention to appeal to ___________________ from the judgment of _________________ in the case of ___________________ (here insert the name of the accused).

_______________________________________Appellant

Date: ___________________

FORMS FOR JUDICIAL BUSINESS APPENDIX G

V. APPEAL

To _________________, Clerk (or Moderator) of __________________ (here insert the title of the judicatory to which the appeal is taken) of the Presbyterian Church in America.

And now, this _____________ day of _____________, A.D. __________________________, comes __________________________ and appeals from the judgment of ________________________________ in the case of _________ (here insert the name of the accused), and in support of said appeal sets forth the following specifications of error:

__________________________ (Here insert the title of the judicatory from which the appeal is taken) of the Presbyterian Church in America erred in ____________________________________________(here state concisely the error alleged to have been made).

(Additional specifications of error may be filed).

_______________________________________ Appellant

Date: ________________________________

VI. COMPLAINT

To _____________, Clerk of _______________(here insert the title of the judicatory to which the complaint is taken) of the Presbyterian Church in America.

And now, this ___________ day of _____________, A.D. _________, comes ____________________ and complains against the action (or delinquency) of _____________ in connection with ___________ (here state briefly the matter of which complaint is made), and in support of said complaint sets forth the following reasons:

(Here set forth concisely in numbered paragraphs the reasons for the complaint).

__________________________________, Complainant

Date: ____________________________

APPENDIX H

SUGGESTED PROCEDURES FOR PRESBYTERY JUDICIAL COMMISSIONS ACTING AS APPELLATE COURTS

1. These procedures are suggested when a Presbytery, as an appellate court, decides that an appeal or complaint arising from a Session is in order, and in accordance with BCO 15, chooses to appoint a Judicial Commission to hear the case. The Presbytery Stated Clerk shall promptly notify the parties of the names of the Commission members and the initial contact information.  (See flowchart.)

2. A hearing shall not be conducted until the Commission determines that the Record of the Case is complete (perfected), the parties have had opportunity to file briefs, and the members of the Commission have had adequate time to read the Record and all briefs.

3. The convener or chairman of the Commission shall convene the first meeting within 10 days of the Presbytery meeting at which the Commission was appointed. This meeting may be held the same day Presbytery appoints the Commission. At this convening meeting the Commission shall elect its chairman and secretary, unless Presbytery had previously appointed them. In addition to other preliminary matters, the Commission may discuss potential dates for a hearing and the current status of the Record. The chairman shall promptly notify the parties of all addresses necessary for filing purposes.

4. Conference calls are acceptable for all Commission meetings other than the hearing. This includes the meetings to:  1) convene the Commission, 2) resolve disputes on the Record, 3) adopt a Judgment, and 4) adopt a written decision and approve minutes.

5. At its discretion and with the consent of both parties, the Commission may decide to accept email, fax or similar means for filings after establishing procedures to confirm the date that a document is filed and received.

6. Record of the Case – After the Commission is appointed, the Presbytery Stated Clerk shall promptly ensure delivery of the Record to each Commission member and to all parties to the case.  It shall be delivered to the appellant/ complainant in person or in some other manner providing verification of the date of receipt. If the appellant/complainant believes the Record is incomplete or incorrect, he shall, within 14 days of receiving such Record, file written notice with the Commission and with the Session (clerk or respondent). Such notice shall specify the alleged defects and suggestions for corrections. Failure to file a timely objection will constitute acceptance of the Record. Within 14 days of receiving such written notice, the Session shall file a written response with the Commission and with the appellant/complainant. The chairman shall promptly send to the commissioners the notice of objection and the Session’s response. If no objection is filed, the parties are considered to have received the perfected Record on the day they received the original Record.

7. Resolving Disputes on the Record – If the Session agrees to any suggested correction, the Record shall be revised accordingly. If the Session does not agree to a suggested correction, the Commission shall consider the written arguments of both parties and rule whether the change(s) should be made. This ruling shall be made within 14 days of when the Commission received the Session’s response and the chairman shall promptly notify the parties of the ruling. If the original Record is revised, the chairman shall ensure both parties receive the perfected Record and the date of its receipt shall be recorded. In this event, the chairman shall also ensure the commissioners receive copies of the revision.

8. Filing Briefs – After the Record has been perfected, the parties may file briefs with the Commission. Such briefs are optional and additional to the notice of appeal/complaint (BCO 42-4, 43-3) and to the Session’s initial response (BCO 42-5, 43-6).

1. The appellant/complainant’s brief shall be filed no later than 14 days after he receives the perfected Record (or the original Record if undisputed.) The Commission will immediately send this brief to the Session and the delivery date shall be recorded. The chairman will promptly send this brief to the commissioners.

2. The Session’s brief shall be filed no later than 28 days after it receives the perfected Record (or the original Record if undisputed) or 14 days after it receives the appellant/complainant’s brief, whichever is later. The Commission will immediately send this brief to the appellant/complainant. The chairman will promptly send this brief to the commissioners.

3. The Commission should not schedule the hearing for sooner than 42 days after the date the parties receive the perfected Record (or the original Record if undisputed), unless both parties, in writing, waive their right to file briefs.

4. The briefs shall include the party’s position with regard to: a summary of the facts, a summary of the proceedings before the Session, a proposed statement of the issue(s), the proposed judgment & relief, and the argument in favor of judgment & relief.

5. No brief shall make reference to any evidence not already part of the perfected Record. The Commission may, at its discretion, strike the part of any brief that makes such reference. Parties may petition the Commission to strike any alleged new evidence from a brief. At the same time, briefs may mention and the Commission may take judicial notice of facts not subject to reasonable dispute.

6. A brief is limited to 10 pages. It must be typewritten on 8½ x 11-inch paper, with 1-inch margins on all sides, and no smaller than 10-point type. Any brief that does not meet these standards of form shall be returned to the sending party with reasons. If this occurs, a revised brief may be submitted, provided such brief is filed with the Commission within 5 days of when the party received notification that the brief did not meet the standard of form.

9. Before the hearing begins, the chairman shall call the members of the Commission to order and he shall:

1. Open the meeting with prayer and certify a quorum is present.

2. Ask each member individually if he has read the Record and all briefs. Any member who cannot affirm such is disqualified from deliberating and voting.

3. Remind the members to disregard all evidence not in the Record, even though such evidence may be found in the briefs of the parties or in oral argument.

4. Read to the members the four principles adopted as Standards of Review in BCO 39-3.

10. During the hearing:

1. Before arguments begin, commissioners may question the parties on any matter before the court.

2. The arguments shall be heard in the following order: 1) the appellant/complainant opens, 2) the Session responds, and 3) the appellant/complainant closes. Each party should be present to hear the arguments of the other.

3. A party shall have a maximum of 30 minutes to argue his case.  For the appellant/complainant, these 30 minutes are inclusive of both his opening and closing arguments. He may divide that time as he chooses.

4. At any time during which a party is presenting an argument, a commissioner may ask questions of that party. The time taken for such questions shall not form a part of the argument time of the party questioned.

11. Judgment – As soon as possible after hearing oral arguments, the Commission shall go into closed session and discuss the issues in the case. In that discussion, the Commission may frame the issues and vote on a Judgment. Or, the Commission may adjourn and reconvene within the next 10 days, as often as necessary, to do so.

12. Written Decision – After the Judgment is adopted, the chairman shall designate a member who voted with the majority to draft the written decision. If the chairman did not vote in the majority, the majority will select their own drafter. The decision shall contain four parts:

1. Summary of Facts (chronological summary of relevant history and facts bearing on case)

2. Statement of the Issue(s) (concise framing by the court of specific issue(s) being judged in case)

3. Judgment (definite conclusion rendered on the specific issue(s) being adjudged)

4. Reasoning and Opinion (reasons for judgment rendered and resolution of any disputed facts)

The drafter of the decision shall send it to the commissioners promptly enough so that within 21 days of adopting the Judgment, the Commission shall adopt a written decision and approve the minutes of its meetings. Any Commission member may file a concurring or dissenting opinion.

13. Reporting – Within 42 days after the hearing, the Commission shall file its report with the Presbytery Stated Clerk. In addition, any commissioner writing a concurring or dissenting opinion shall file it with the Presbytery Stated Clerk within 42 days after the hearing. The Commission’s report shall include the following:

1. Commission’s written decision, including the vote.

2. Minutes of the meetings of the Commission.

3. Briefs of the Parties

4. Record of the Case as perfected

15. For the purposes of computing times, the day of the act or event from which a designated period of time begins shall not be included. The last day of the period shall be included, unless it is a Saturday, Sunday or postal holiday, in which case the period extends until the end of the next day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or postal holiday. “Filing” shall not be timely unless the documents are received by the appropriate party within the time fixed for such filing. “Received” shall be when the documents are actually delivered to the party.

16. The Commission may extend any of the deadline dates in this Appendix, or page limits for briefs, upon its determination that so doing is required in the interest of justice.

SUMMARY – This procedure would only apply to a Presbytery Judicial Commission acting as an appellate court. This procedure does not apply if a Presbytery chooses to hear any case as a whole body. Furthermore, Presbytery would still need to vote on adopting any judgment of its Judicial Commission.

These procedures provide three distinct six-week (42 day) periods:

1. Resolving any disputes on the Record

2. Filing, distributing and reading briefs

3. Conducting hearing, deliberating and filing full report with Stated Clerk Long Process – If the Record is disputed, and the parties choose to file briefs, and the full time is taken for all deadlines, the Commission might not file its final report with the Stated Clerk until four months (126 days) after the Presbytery meeting at which it was appointed. However, if the full time is not taken for all deadlines, the Commission may be able to file its report in time for consideration at the next Presbytery meeting, even if the Record is disputed and briefs are filed.

Long Process – If the Record is disputed, and the parties choose to file briefs, and the full time is taken for all deadlines, the Commission might not file its final report with the Stated Clerk until four months (126 days) after the Presbytery meeting at which it was appointed. However, if the full time is not taken for all deadlines, the Commission may be able to file its report in time for consideration at the next Presbytery meeting, even if the Record is disputed and briefs are filed.

Medium Process – If either the Record is not disputed or the parties waive their right to file briefs, and the full time is taken for all deadlines, a Commission should file its final report within 84 days (12 weeks). In most Presbyteries, this should be in time for the next meeting.

Short Process – If the Record is not disputed, and the parties waive their right to file briefs, the Commission should file its report within 42 days of the hearing, which could be held as soon as the Commissioners have read the Record. This scenario would also result in Presbytery considering the Commission’s report at the next Presbytery meeting.

APPENDIX I

BIBLICAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION

PREFACE

When the 30^th General Assembly approved including Appendix I, Biblical Conflict Resolution, in the BCO, it was approved “as a non-binding informational Appendix to the BCO” (M30GA, 2002, page 297, item 30-62, recommendation 14).  Appendix I, has no binding constitutional authority.

As we continue to seek to become a church holy before God, the manner in which we respond to sin and conflicts in the body, and gently shepherd those caught in sin, will reflect our commitment to the authority of God’s Word and the spirit of love, which should define all of our actions and relationships.  Biblical peacemaking is one of God’s highest priorities (Matt. 5:23-24; Rom. 12:18; Gal. 6:1); therefore, it must be one of our highest priorities.  The Book of Church Order (BCO) reflects our commitment to following God’s procedure for reclaiming those going astray.  It says, “Scriptural law is the basis of all discipline because it is the revelation of God’s Holy will. Proper disciplinary principles are set forth in the Scriptures and must be followed” (BCO 27-5).  It also says, “An injured party shall not become a prosecutor of personal offenses without having tried the means of reconciliation and of reclaiming the offender, required by Christ” (BCO 31-5). The purpose of this Appendix is to provide guidance through the steps of biblical peacemaking required as pre-conditions to judicial process in cases of personal offense (BCO 31-5), and for use whenever possible in cases of general offense (BCO 31-7).

Each presbytery should endeavor to have several elders trained in the methods of “Christian conciliation” (including mediation and arbitration), and available to serve as Christian conciliators in cases that could and should be resolved privately before judicial process is initiated. We would do well to follow the wisdom of those who have considered the importance of this matter. For example, Elder Edmund Clowney states, “Discipline…is not first an exercise of negative judgment, a matter of church courts and censures. It begins with the care of friends with whom we strive to follow Christ” (Clowney, E.P., The Church, IVP, 1995).

THE BIBLICAL STEPS OF DISCIPLINE

AS THEY RELATE TO BIBLICAL PEACEMAKING

BCO 27-5 outlines the proper principles for the exercise of church discipline.  This BCO section emphasizes that the steps indicated, (a) through (d), must be followed in proper order.  The steps are:

a) Instruction in the Word;

b) An individual’s responsibility to admonish one another (Matt. 18:15; Gal. 6:1);

c) If the admonition is rejected, then the calling of one or more witnesses (Matt. 18:16);

d) If rejection persists, then the church must act through her court unto admonition, suspension, excommunication and deposition.

This Appendix addresses the first three steps, (a) through (c), by providing an expanded discussion of the implications raised by Scriptural direction for a complete process at each step.  Step (d), formal church discipline, is addressed by Part II of the Book of Church Order, The Rules of Discipline.

1.  The first step – Instruction in the Word.

Many Christians do not fully understand the emphasis God places on living at peace and in unity with others (Eph. 4: 3). Preaching and teaching should regularly address this emphasis and the purposes for church discipline as set forth in BCO 27-3 and BCO 27-4.  Attention should be drawn to the fact that the main procedural passage related to church discipline, Matthew 18:15-20, is set forth in the context of two powerful parables teaching the extent and depth of God’s love in reclaiming those who have strayed (Matt. 18:10-14), and the vast measure of His forgiveness and the expansive forgiveness He expects from His children toward one another (Matt. 18:21-35).  The extent of instruction on reconciliation provided to church members in “new member classes” and regular preaching from the pulpit will have a significant bearing on the extent to which a church member understands the benefits of church discipline and has consented to ecclesiastical jurisdiction (which is helpful for the church if it is to avoid legal liability for the proper exercise of church discipline).

Teaching God’s Word concerning sin, and conflicts that result from it, and how Christians should respond biblically to conflict, will equip church members to become peacemakers themselves.  Peacemaking has always been one of a Christian’s most important ministries.  As we are reminded in 2 Corinthians 5:18, God “reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”  One of the most powerful ways that we can encourage reconciliation with God is to model reconciliation among people.  When others see us resolve our differences in a loving and biblical manner, they are inclined to give more weight to what we say about the Lord (John 13:34-35; 17:20-23).  On the other hand, when they see Christians embroiled in disputes, they tend to write God’s people off as hypocrites and dismiss the claims of Christ  (Rom. 2:21-24; 1 Cor. 6:1-8).

The Bible sets forth a process for resolving personal and substantive disputes in a constructive manner.  This process is sometimes referred to as “Christian conciliation” and it may be used to resolve everything from minor personal differences to church divisions or lawsuits involving church members.  As indicated in passages such as Proverbs 19:11, Matthew 5:23-25 and 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, and Galatians 6:1, conciliation involves three basic steps: (1) when Christians are involved in a conflict that is too serious to

overlook, the first thing that they should do is meet together privately and in person to try to resolve their differences; (2) if this effort is unsuccessful, they should ask one or more other Christians to meet with them and help them to seek reconciliation and a voluntary settlement of their differences (a process sometimes referred to as mediation); and (3) if they cannot arrive at a voluntary settlement, they should ask one or more other Christians to hear both sides of the matter and render a biblically based decision that both sides are obligated to accept (a process sometimes referred to as arbitration).

There are many benefits to resolving disputes through Christian conciliation. It prevents a public quarrel that would dishonor the Lord Jesus Christ and diminish the credibility and witness of His Church.  Conciliation also allows Christians to demonstrate their faith in Christ and their confidence in His teachings (John 13:34; 14:15; 17:20-23). In addition, conciliation encourages forgiveness and promotes reconciliation, which can help to preserve valuable relationships and strengthen the Church (Eph. 4:29-32; Col. 3:12-17).  Conciliation also helps people to identify and deal with the root causes of conflict, which may include such things as pride, selfishness, fear, vengeance, greed, bitterness, or unforgiveness (see Matt. 7:3-5).  This allows people to make changes in their lives so that they will enjoy more peaceful relationships in the future (Eph. 4:1-3, 22-24).

Christian conciliation is especially beneficial for people who sincerely want to do what is right and are open to learning where they have been wrong (Prov. 15:31-32).  Conciliators can help them to identify improper attitudes or unwise practices, to understand more fully the effects of their decision and actions, and to make improvements in their lives that will help them to honor and serve the Lord more effectively in the future (1 Peter 2:12).

Teaching and Ruling elders are encouraged to learn all they can about Christian conciliation and develop local ministries that will equip members under their care to respond to conflicts in a manner that reflects the power of Christ working in their lives. The more church members understand these concepts and benefits, the more likely they will be to apply biblical principles when conflicts occur.

2.  The second step – An individual’s responsibility to admonish another  (Matt. 18:15; Gal. 6:1).

Scripture warns against making a premature judgment about a matter (Matt. 7:1-5). By first going personally and in private to those who have offended, we provide the opportunity for clarification of misunderstandings and avoid premature judgment. This step includes the three responses of personal peacemaking as follows:

Overlook an offense:  An individual may overlook an offense of another if it is minor in nature and it has not significantly dishonored God, damaged a

personal relationship, or hurt other people (including the offender).  “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense” (Prov. 19:11).

Discussion:  When personal wrongs are too serious to overlook, the parties are required to seek to resolve them privately through loving confrontation and confession.  “If your brother has something against you…go and be reconciled” (Matt. 5:23-24).  “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you” (Matt. 18:15).

Negotiation:   When a substantive issue related to money, property, or other material issues or rights divides Christians, a process of biblical negotiation should be followed that will meet the interests of all those involved.  “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:4).

Privately responding to conflict early, before it escalates, through the means of these three forms of personal peacemaking will often result in reconciliation and no need for further peacemaking attention. Successful personal peacemaking is usually based on at least one parties’ willingness to accept responsibility for how they have contributed to the conflict and by being willing to humble themselves for the greater goal of God’s glory through “making every effort” (Eph. 4:3) to keep the unity of the spirit.

3.  The third step – If private admonition is rejected, then calling of one or more witnesses (Matt. 18:16; 1 Cor. 6:1-9).

Involving others is a serious escalation of a conflict and should be considered only after the elements of step two have been fully exhausted. Step three includes the three assisted peacemaking responses as follows:

Mediation:  If a dispute cannot be resolved through personal peacemaking, the parties should ask one or more other Christians to meet with them to help the parties communicate more effectively and explore possible solutions.  The mediators may give advice but have no power to impose solutions.  They may later act as witnesses in formal church disciplinary proceedings, should mediation fail due to hardness of heart or the unrepentant sin of one or both parties.  “If he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” (Matt. 18:16).

Arbitration:  When two parties to a conflict cannot come to a voluntary agreement on a substantive issue, one or more arbitrators may be appointed to listen to the arguments and evidence of each side and render a binding decision.  “If you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church” (1 Cor. 6:1-8).

Church Discipline:  Formal church discipline, pursuant to the procedures of BCO Part II, is reserved for those cases where the person who professes to be a Christian refuses to be reconciled, repent of personal sin, and do what is right.  Church leaders bearing ecclesiastical jurisdiction over such persons should formally intervene to promote justice, repentance, and forgiveness.  “If he refuses to listen, tell it to the church” (Matt. 18:17-20).

APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLES

Judicial cases that come to the attention of church courts frequently begin as personal disputes between two or more individuals.  Typically, when one side feels they are not getting what they want, they bring charges of sin against the other side.  In this manner, sessions and presbyteries are drawn into conflicts that would better be resolved at a personal level through Christian conciliation.  Of course, when conflicted parties refuse to be reconciled, the accountability afforded by formal church discipline should be used to further the goals of purity in the Church, the rebuke of offenses, the removal of scandal, and the spiritual good of offenders (1 Cor. 5:5).  Every effort should be made, however, to resolve the conflict through repentance, confession, forgiveness and reconciliation before formal charges are entertained by a church court.  The intent of the relevant BCO provisions is to encourage Christian unity before the formal provisions of church discipline are brought to bear on a situation. Of course, not every situation will lend itself to Christian conciliation.  However, every effort should be made to utilize private confrontation, mediation, and arbitration in order to

reserve the use of formal church discipline, and the time of church courts, for those matters related to the purity of the Church and the keeping and reclaiming of disobedient sinners (BCO 27-3).  Many of these ends will be realized through the processes of Christian conciliation and, therefore, should be viewed as prerequisite procedures to the formal disciplinary process.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE STEPS

Churches unwilling or unable to instruct their members completely in the full breadth of the steps of conciliation and discipline encourage resorting to unbiblical, worldly responses to conflict.  The escape responses of denial, flight, and even suicide can be expected if church members are not positively directed to the biblical processes of Christian conciliation.  Others, when not given the hope of having matters responded to within the body of Christ, will resort to civil litigation, verbal and physical attack, and possibly even murder to remove an opponent where there is no avenue for a just resolution.

Moving a case too quickly to formal church discipline can build barriers that could otherwise be dealt with in mediation or arbitration.  Every church and presbytery is encouraged to equip elders and mature members with the skills of Christian conciliation, and to exhaust conciliation processes and remedies before moving to formal church discipline.

USE OF CONCILIATION CLAUSES

IN MEMBERSHIP DOCUMENTS

One significant way church members can be educated and prepared for biblical conflict resolution is through the use of a conciliation clause in the membership covenant or other agreement signed by new members when they join the church.  The recommended language for this clause is set forth below.  It should be noted that signing this clause cannot be made a condition for membership, but may be encouraged as a voluntary biblical commitment.  It should be clearly offered as an optional statement for the resolution of any disputes that may arise.

Christian Conciliation

Members are encouraged but not required to make this additional commitment.

If I ever have a dispute with the church that cannot be resolved through its own internal procedures, I agree to resolve the dispute according to biblical principles (such as those set forth in Matthew 5:23-25 and 18:15-20, and 1 Corinthians 6:1-8) by submitting the matter to mediation and, if necessary, arbitration, according to the Bylaws of this church and the Rules of Procedure of the Institute for Christian Conciliation.  I understand that arbitration is a legally binding process, and that judgment upon an arbitration award may be entered in any court otherwise having jurisdiction.

Dated this _____ day of __________ , 20 ______

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Name (Printed)                                                                                   Signature

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Name (Printed)                                                                                    Signature

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Parent’s or Guardian’s Name (for minors)               Parent’s or Guardian’s Signature

This agreement is subject to arbitration pursuant to the [state] arbitration act, title ##, chapter #, [state] code annotated.

AMEND CHURCH BYLAWS TO ALLOW CONTINUING CHURCH JURISDICTION

The following clause is recommended for inclusion in local church bylaws to allow the continuing ecclesiastical jurisdiction over a member who may otherwise simply flee from the church to avoid biblical discipline:

Members may be removed from membership at their own request following the steps of appropriate pastoral care as set forth in BCO 38-4.  If a member requests to withdraw because of specific problems or disappointments with the church, the Session shall attempt to resolve those matters so that the member may remain in the church and enjoy greater fruitfulness and personal spiritual growth.  If the Session is unable to resolve those matters, it shall offer to assist the member in locating a church of like faith and practice that can respond more effectively to his gifts and needs.  If it appears to the Session that a member has requested removal merely to avoid church discipline, that request shall not be given effect until the disciplinary process has been properly concluded.

Use of this clause will also help the church avoid serious legal liability for following through with all of the steps of church discipline.  Members should be informed of its provisions and carefully taught the Scriptural basis for continuing shepherding and pastoral care especially when caught in sin (see also BCO 38-3 and 38-4).

CONCLUSION

The courts of the church are encouraged to employ the means of Christian conciliation whenever possible.  That is, churches and presbyteries are encouraged to defer judicial action until all other remedies have been exhausted.  Peace, unity, and the mission of the Church can be furthered through careful and complete attention to every step of the process as set forth in BCO 27-5 as understood through the expanded guidance concerning Christian conciliation as set forth above.

APPENDIX J

SAMPLE FORM FOR TERMS OF CALL

____(Church Name)________ (PCA) being on sufficient grounds well satisfied of the ministerial qualifications of you, ___(Minister’s Name) ___, and having good hopes from our knowledge of your labors that your ministrations in the Gospel will be profitable to our special interests, do earnestly call you to undertake the pastoral office in said congregation, promising you, in the discharge of your duty, all proper support, encouragement and obedience in the Lord. That you may be free from worldly cares and avocations, we hereby promise and oblige ourselves to provide you with the following salary, benefits, vacations, and leaves of absence.

Salary and Housing Allowances ____________________________ basis
        (weekly, monthly, etc.)
     Gross Salary, which includes housing allowance $___________________
     Amount Designated as Housing Allowance* $___________________

Benefits
     Primary Benefits
Healthcare and Medicare Supplement Insurance/Allowance $____________________
Retirement Savings** -amount equal to _____% of salary + housing $____________________
Long Term Disability Insurance – replaces ______% of salary + housing $____________________
Life Insurance – amount equal to ______ times salary + housing $____________________
Social Security/Medicare Allowance $____________________
Equity Allowance for ministers who are living in a manse $____________________
Leadership Counseling/Coaching $____________________
     Secondary Benefits
Dental $____________________
Vision $____________________
HSA (Health Savings Account)*** $____________________
Total Benefits $____________________

Temporary Benefits
     Relocation expenses will be reimbursed but shall not exceed the following $____________________
     Other $____________________
Temporary Benefits Total $___________________

TOTAL AMOUNTS $____________________

Vacations and Leaves of Absence
Vacation   _____ Days Holiday Leave  _____ Days
Paid Sick Leave _____ Days Paternity Leave _____ Days
Bereavement _____ Days Educational Leave _____ Days
Sabbatical Leave_____ Days, after _____ years

Attestation
I, having moderated the congregational meeting which extended a call to _______(Minister’s Name)_____ for his ministerial services, do certify that the call has been made in all respects according to the rules laid down in the Book of Church Order, and that the persons who signed the call were authorized to do so by vote of the congregation.

Clerk of Session: Minister-Elect:
Signature: ______________________________ Signature: _______________________________
Print Name: _____________________________ Print Name: ______________________________
Date: _________________________________ Date: ___________________________________

Send a copy to each of the following: 1) Minister-Elect   2) Stated clerk of the Presbytery

*Section 107 of the Internal Revenue Code allows a minister to exclude a housing allowance from their taxable salary for eligible housing related expenses (i.e., mortgage payment, rent payments, utilities, etc.). It is important to note that the housing allowance is excludable for income tax purposes only (e.g., federal, and most states). It is not excludable for Self-Employment tax purposes (i.e., SECA) which are paid into the Social Security and Medicare system.                                                                                                                                                                                                    

A minister’s total cash salary can be broken down into two parts: 1) Taxable Salary and 2) Housing Allowance (Partially Taxable Salary).

Minister’s Salary

** There is an annual limit on the amount of total contributions (i.e., employee and employer contributions) that can be made to a 403(b) plan. This limit is referred to as the 415(c) limit. However, it is important to note that a minister’s housing allowance cannot be included as part of includible compensation because it is not a component of a minister’s gross income (1.425-2(d) of income tax regulations). This limit may reduce the amount that can be contributed to a retirement account even though the call package guidelines formula includes it (i.e., retirement contributions are a percentage of salary and housing allowance).

*** Health Savings Account requires a high deductible heath savings account eligible plan.