AT 2004 Volume 24 Issue 2

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Browsing AT 2004 Volume 24 Issue 2 by Author "Strauss, P. J."

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    Partikuliere en algemene sinodes: 'n gereformeerde benadering
    (Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2004) Strauss, P. J.
    English: In this article the author investigates the character, composition and task of particular or regional synods and of general synods in reformed churches. Although the character and composition of these assemblies in the church can be defined fairly easily, the same can not be said of the distinction between the task of the former and the latter. The fact that both of them were called upon in the past to look after matters common to all congregations within its borders, created a vagueness in this regard. Which are those matters common to all congregations which should be attended to by particular synods and which by general synods? His solution is the application of two well-known principles of a reformed church polity: firstly, that major assemblies should not attend to matters which could be dealt with at minor assemblies, and, secondly, that a general synod should concentrate on those issues which are really common to all congregations in the specific denomination.
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    Skrif en kerkorde
    (Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2004) Celliers, A.; Strauss, P. J.
    English: The church is continuously called upon to listen to the Word of God so that, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it can remain church in and for its time, as God intended it to be. The Word presents a unique, complex, and multifaceted image of the church. This reflects the dynamic way in which the Lord enables His church to be church in its specific circumstances. This multifaceted image of the church elicits certain constants that form the outlines of the nature and order of the church. As far as the organisational aspects are concerned, it is important to realise that Jesus Christ is the structure of the church, and that He sees to it that it is being served in an orderly fashion. Every member has a God-given responsibility within the church, and existing ministries have the responsibility to instruct the congregation in the teaching of the gospel in particular. This enables the congregation to adhere to its calling for obedience, love, and witness, so that the church can continue to exist. The outlines of the nature and order of the church should be addressed in all church orders to avoid pragmatism and arbitrariness on the one hand, and to create space for the various demands of local circumstances on the other.