Oversight of doctrine and worship

Christian Education and the Task of the Officebearer

Officebearers have the responsibility to ensure that parents, in accordance with their baptismal promise, seek as much as possible to pursue Christian education for their children. This duty is supported by Article 53 of the Church Order of the Free Reformed Churches of Australia.

To Be or Not to Be Reformed (4): Upholding the Formula of Subscription

It is a common practice in many Reformed Churches that elders and deacons sign the Formula of Subscription. Why practice this tradition? Two reasons: the adoption of and adherence to Reformed confessions, and to maintain and promote Reformed church government. If this is so, then the confessions must be binding, and discipline must be exercised on those who depart from them.

To Be or Not to Be Reformed (3): Upholding the Formula of Subscription

It is a common practice in many Reformed Churches that elders and deacons sign the Formula of Subscription. Why practice this tradition? Two reasons: the adoption of and adherence to Reformed confessions, and to maintain and promote Reformed church government. This article focuses on what the Form of Subscription requires from individuals.

To Be or Not to Be Reformed (2): Upholding the Formula of Subscription

It is a common practice in many Reformed Churches that elders and deacons sign the Formula of Subscription. Why practice this tradition? Two reasons: the adoption of and adherence to Reformed confessions, and to maintain and promote Reformed church government. This article focuses on the history behind the Form of Subscription.

To Be or Not to Be Reformed (1): Upholding the Formula of Subscription

It is a common practice in many Reformed Churches that elders and deacons sign the Formula of Subscription. Why practice this tradition? Two reasons: the adoption of and adherence to Reformed confessions, and to maintain and promote Reformed church government. This article focuses on the importance of adhering to the Reformed confessions.

Not Sustained

This article is about the examination of the theological student by the churches, and the function of these exams.

Why are Ecclesiastical Feast Days in our Church Order?

Why does our church order contain a call to commemorate ecclesiastical feast days? This article discusses the historical development of this call, concluding that this should be left up to the discretion of each church council.

Special Days of Prayer

This article is about special days of prayer and fasting when the church is in affliction or adversity.

What Does It Mean to Subscribe to the Westminster Standards?

This article is about the binding to the confessions and the subscription of the officers to the confessions.

"Catechism Preaching" – According to Church Order

This article considers the practice of Catechism preaching, as it is called for in the Church Order of Dort. It draws some conclusions regarding the special character of a Catechism sermon.

Church Visitation

Church visitation serves the purpose of finding out how various congregations are doing in regard to their faith, and is a response to the desire to live in unity as God's people.

Christian Education and the Church Order: A History

This article outlines the historical development of Article 53 of the Church Order of the Free Reformed Churches of Australia. Working from this history, the author shows that Christian education is the responsibility of both parents and consistory, and is in line with the promises made at baptism.

The reformed pastor and his vows

This article is about the ordination vows, and the author urges ministers to show integrity regarding their vows.

The background of the Holy Days

This article is about the festivals and holy days in the early church. The author calls for soberness in our celebration of Christian festivals.

Baptism – As Soon As Feasible

How soon should infants be baptized? This article explains the obligation parents have to get their children baptized as soon as possible. It lays the biblical ground for infant baptism and its relation to church membership.

Church Boundaries: Keeping Christ Whole!

Regardless of the size of the church, every church within the church federation forms the body of Christ. Therefore, no church should accept members from another church without the consent of the church where the members are coming from. In this way the boundaries of churches in the federation are respected. Looking at Belgic Confession Article 28, this article emphasizes the importance of being a member of your local church.

The churches’ care for the schools

This article is about the relation between church and school in historical perspective.

Those ordination vows

This article is about the ordination vows of the office-bearer and the character of the binding to these vows. The author discusses this as officer of the Free Church of Scotland.

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