How is the Church governed, and who ordains its ministers?
a passage states it a passage rules it out
Common ground
These are affirmed by more than one position, so a passage saying only this counts for none of them.
- There are ordained ministers called elders or presbyters, and deacons
- Ordination by laying on of hands with prayer
- The congregation has a part in choosing or approving its ministers
- Church discipline is exercised
- Councils of bishops met to settle disputes (as a historical fact, without a claim about divine institution)
Bishops in apostolic succession
Catholic Orthodox AnglicanIn order that the full and living Gospel might always be preserved in the Church the apostles left bishops as their successors.Catechism of the Catholic Church, 77
What sets it apart: The passage places one bishop over presbyters and deacons as successor of the apostles, or traces bishops in a line from the apostles.
Formally defined: Not a single dogma; Council of Trent, Session 23 (1563); Anglican Ordinal (1550/1662); Synod of Jerusalem (1672)
Earliest statement: Cyril of Alexandria, c. 444
Equal presbyters governing in councils
ReformedAs for the ministers of the Word, they all have the same power and authority, no matter where they may beBelgic Confession, Article 31 (1561)
What sets it apart: The passage says presbyters and bishops are equal in authority, or that churches are governed jointly by a body of elders above the congregation.
Formally defined: Belgic Confession (1561); Westminster Confession (1646)
No early passage in the library states it yet.
Self-governing congregation
BaptistTo each of these churches thus gathered, according to his mind declared in his word, he hath given all that power and authority, which is in any way needful for their carrying on that order in worship and disciplineSecond London Baptist Confession, 26.7 (1689)
What sets it apart: The passage says a local congregation holds full authority in itself, with no bishop or synod above it.
Formally defined: Cambridge Platform (1648); Second London Baptist Confession, ch. 26 (1689)
No early passage in the library states it yet.
Every deciding passage, earliest first
Cyril of Alexandria, c. 444
Cyril: …Levites have been distributed as somehow coworkers and as it were helpers for the sacred-workers, for they will keep his watches—clear that of Aaron—and all the vessels of the tent of the witness, and the keepings of the sons of Israel. And unto these is the manner of their coworking. And he sets upon the tent both Aaron and the sons with him, and ‘They will keep,’ (Numbers 3:14–17) he says, ‘their own priesthood and all according to the altar, and the inward of the veil,’ (Hebrews 3:6) that is the unspeakable and more mystical things, and as many as it is custom for those sitting-near…
- States: Bishops in apostolic succession
- Rules out: Equal presbyters governing in councils
- Rules out: Self-governing congregation
Translation in progress