What is the difference in polity between the Continental Reformed and Presbyterians?

[Doulos McKenzie]

Also, what is meant by the distinction of small and broader courts by the Continental, does it differ from the Presbyterian distinction between higher and lower courts?

 

[Doulos McKenzie]

*bump*

 

[Stephen L Smith]

Broadly speaking I understand the structure is similar but the Continental Reformed tend to allow more freedom at the local church level than Presbyterians. For example the Reformed Churches of New Zealand are Continental Reformed in their heritage and allow the local church to choose the minister (although the minister himself is approved to be a minister at Presbytery level). A classic book on the Continental Reformed view is Bound Yet Free: Readings in Reformed Church polity by Jack De Jong. A classic book on Presbyterian polity is The Church of Christ by James Bannerman.

 

[Guido's Brother]

Another one of the differences is that the only permanent governing body in Reformed church gov't (as opposed to Presbyterian) is the consistory. A classis and synod only exist when they are meeting and completely cease to exist when the meeting is over. Ministers are also members of their local congregation, part of the local consistory, and under the supervision of the local consistory. Term eldership is also the norm in Reformed polity (typically a three or four year term). There are more differences, but those are some of the more obvious ones.

 

[Guido's Brother]

In Reformed church polity, we speak about "broader assemblies." That refers to the classis and synod. They're called "broader" because more churches are represented. But they are not higher. The buck stops at the local churches. Decisions made at the broader assemblies have to be scrutinized/reviewed by local consistories to ensure that they are in accordance with Scripture and the Confessions. If the decisions are not found to be such, they are not considered to be binding (and will be appealed).

 

[Doulos McKenzie]

In Reformed church polity, we speak about "broader assemblies." That refers to the classis and synod. They're called "broader" because more churches are represented. But they are not higher. The buck stops at the local churches. Decisions made at the broader assemblies have to be scrutinized/reviewed by local consistories to ensure that they are in accordance with Scripture and the Confessions. If the decisions are not found to be such, they are not considered to be binding (and will be appealed).

And what would be scriptural argument for the Reformed view?

 

[Guido's Brother]

In the main, this is a good summary of the principles behind Reformed church polity, along with biblical support:

Foundational Statements of Reformed Church Government

 

[Doulos McKenzie]

In the main, this is a good summary of the principles behind Reformed church polity, along with biblical support:

Foundational Statements of Reformed Church Government

Thank you fine sir

 

[Stephen L Smith]

And what would be scriptural argument for the Reformed view?

Wes has given a good link, but if you want an in-depth study read the 2 books I mentioned above. It is a worthwhile exercise comparing them.

 

[Doulos McKenzie]

Wes has given a good link, but if you want an in-depth study read the 2 books I mentioned above. It is a worthwhile exercise comparing them.

Thank you. I will look into them