The Book of Church Order of the Presbyterian Church in America

by Presbyterian Church (USA)

Includes all amendments approved up to and including the 46th General Assembly, in Atlanta, Georgia June 12–15, 2018.

Genres: Theology

Three-Ring Binder

First published August 8, 2015

Reviews

[Jordan Carl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe not a read for every person but if you are a member of the Presbyterian Church in America, I highly commend this to you. The Book of Church order is composed of six main sections:

1. Preface
2. The Form of Church Government
3. The Rules of Church Discipline
4. The Directory for Worship (Only Sections 56, 57, 58, 59-3 have constitutional authority)
5. Sample documentation (weddings, funerals, bringing charges, appeals, baptism)
6. Rules of Assembly Operations (guidance for the structure and function of General Assembly)

Even if you aren't Presbyterian, there is much you can gain from reading this. I believe it lays out a biblical foundation for the most biblical form of church government, defines the Church of Christ, lays out biblical and helpful means of addressing conflict within the church, and faithfully explains the elements/function/and purpose of Christian worship. Really good stuff, albeit a little dry sometimes. If you really need to get to sleep, Rules for Church Discipline is wildly boring at some points.

[Russell Sigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ask me what the 5 censures a church can enact on a member are, and I can probably give you an answer

[Benjamin Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s dry, but it’s good.

[John Yelverton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very decent and well put together set of rules used to govern the Presbyterian Church in America. Though very legalistic, it is a necessary evil due to the fallen nature of man.

[Mr. Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a Presbyterian, you definitely should read this. If you're *not* one I recommend it too. My GOODNESS it is thorough, but I have already began to like that fact; in this circumstance, being comprehensive is essential. The denomination I'm a member of produced this, and I'm glad I took some time to get through it.

...I'll admit though...sometimes it is kinda "dry" though haha :)

[Errol Castens · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of the BCO makes for predictably dry reading. Those very painstaking procedures outlined for everything from officer election and ordination to peacemaking and discipline, however, are some of the strengths of a presbyterian governance. The BCO anticipates and offers prevention or intervention for many issues that might catch a Congregational church less prepared.

I didn’t read the Rules of Assembly nor the Operating Manual for Standing Judicial Commissions nor the corporate bylaws.

Part III - The Directory for the Worship of God, though not always a page-turner, is worthy of any PCA church member’s time.

[Sean McGowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good!

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't PCUSA, per the title it's PCA. No joke, a real page turner. Especially the first few chapters and the preface.

[myself, who else? · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually fire