헌법책 구입 ID카드 신청 총회 관련서류 노회 그룹 송금 안내 지난 보고서 No posts published in this language yet Once posts are published, you’ll see them here.

50회기 노회장 및 서기 연락망

제50회 임원 총회장 김기섭 목사 Moderator Rev. Kisup Kim kisupkim@gmail.com (213) 605-5898 서가주노회 장로부총회장 목사부총회장 유성한 장로 Vice Moderato r Elder Sunghan Ryu 가주 노회 임인철 목사 Vice Moderator Rev. In Cheol Lim iminchol7@gmail.com (702) 489-2999 라스베가스노회 김 곤 목사 Stated Cl erk Rev. Gon Kim gonkim0191@yahoo.com (267) 799-7172 동부노회 강일성 목사 A. Stated Cl erk Rev. IIsung Kang rtkiscap@gmail.com (703) 473-3233 워싱턴노회 부서기 서기 총무 박기덕 목사 A. Recording Clerk Rev. Kiduk Park hanmaumca11@hotmail.com (213) 995-7099 남가주노회 부회록서기 회록서기 정승룡 목사 General Secret ary Rev. Josph Jung office@gawpc.com (213) 948-1476 오렌지카운트노회 김우현 목사 Recording Cler k Rev. Tony Kim mailto:tk4christ@gmail.com (714) 334-8491 다음세대노회 부회계 회계 김춘경 장로 Treasurer Elder Choonkyung Kim tweedysg@hotmail.com (714) 625-7653 가주노회 장케빈 장로 A. Treasurer Elder Kevin Chang changcpa@yahoo.com (213) 761-7919 서가주노회

History and Introduction of the World Presbyterian Church (WJJ) The General Assembly of WKPC/World Korean Presbyterian Church 1974 Korean Presbyterian Church at the joint meeting in the Americas in the beginning Korean American Western Presbytery organize first president Kim Yun-chan pastor by electing That historian started. And 1978 home country General Assembly Focusing on non-mainstream in North America Korean American Presbyterian Church of Jesus Gaju Presbytery, Central Presbytery, New York Presbytery, Philadelphia Piano Society And presbytery of canada center The General Assembly (KAPC) organized invite to the general meeting Injae Lee pastor Elected. And North American State Reformed Presbyterian Church Council as a full member world church right Department of Theology watchman member Became Korea and american reformism with denominations actively to interact has been Meanwhile, The Western American Presbytery was established in 1980. Korean Presbyterian Church joint general meeting in determination follow Western American Presbytery, General Western Presbytery, Greater New York Presbytery, Central Presbytery, Northwest Presbytery, Central and Southern Presbytery Center Became America's Congress organize, invite at the venue Hwang Gyu-seo pastor Elected. therefore, home country Korean Presbyterian Church consolidation to the general meeting root Dunn two to an overseas denomination in good spirits has been two the general meeting motherland General Assembly the constitution by default General Assembly the constitution enacted general assembly oriented faith political fundamental skeleton with a reformed faith Confirmed. confirmed General Assembly constitutional the contents English and In Korean Constitution Part 1 : presbytery Twelve Creeds, Part 2 : Westminst Confession of Faith, Part 3 : Westminst big dish Questions and Answers, Part 4 : Westminst Soyo-ri Questions and Answers, Part 5 : Politics, Part 6 : constitutional Rules, Part 7 : Discipline Ordinance, Part 8 : It is an example of worship. 1976 was opened America's Congress the seminary 1992 To the American Chongshin University while developing Korean Presbyterian Church joint general meeting approval under the pastor positivity, while exhaling America's Congress 20 years During develop come home country at the general meeting The severance of relationship pain to suffer I did. after that many pain suffering some order general assembly joint department separation while American joint meeting until now continue develop came. Meanwhile 1977 opened International Reform University / Graduate School of Theology IRUS to the first dean Kim Eui-hwan with Dr. Lee Sang-geun doctor, Jintae Lee Dr., Dr. Michael De Vries center Became was established, and IRUS In 2013 February From the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) BA, MA, M. Div. degree approval got year 2014 February on the 19th ministry Doctor (D.Min.) approval received. year 2014 in November ESL English language training course allow received, in 2016 in February new degree course, church music Bachelor of Arts (BACM); church music Master's degree (MACM); counseling Master's degree (MAC) process diagram Add to approval received. also, Early childhood education institution Certification Course (ECE) There is. ABHE MI University Accreditation Association (CHEA, Council on Higher Education Accreditation); and Affiliated with the US Department of Education It is an accrediting institution for Christian universities. IRUS (International Reform University and Graduate School of Theology) Korean and In English with the pastor a missionary right with theology educate by training immigrant church to world missions to contribute pastor, church workman, leaders nurture There is. USA from the Department of Homeland Security F-1 visa issuance be approved, reformed theology seeking with a prestigious American seminary equivalent with qualifications immigrant 1 year old 2 years old including third world, English speaking the ministers as a pastor ordained under church and world mission work to bear There is. IRUS reformism theology teaching Is the federal government under formal degree awarded only conservative orthodox It is a seminary. the general meeting the Lord given supreme commander world mission Effectively to do for General Assembly World Mission WMS as an independent organization established. And home country General Assembly World Mission with GMS cooperative missionary Planning Department director and training, support etc heavy missionary work Effectively And persistence to be to bear So, missionary, missionary general management overseeing support, so world mission for devotedly take the lead There is. 37th Korean American Presbyterian Church the general meeting court, church development committee general assembly illegal by doing due to In 2013 In May has been separated. That at that time President unbiblical with humanism, the general constitution ignored daily lesson Church Development Committee illegal expediently general meeting corrupted To them have a meeting felt reformism presbyteries From the KAPC General Assembly separated WKPC World Presbyterian Church/World Korean Presbyterian Church organized, God center, words center, church central neocapitalism to the general assembly Formally separate has been especially Korean Presbyterian Church joint general meeting full support receive World Presbyterian Church of Jesus WKPC to the center So American Eastern Presbytery American Western Presbytery organized, Korean Presbyterian Church joint general meeting full member to be home country to the general meeting gun barrel sending joy enjoy became, International Reform University / Graduate School of Theology Virginia Christian University Korean Presbyterian Church general approval received overseas a seminary has been 41st General Assembly at the time Korean Presbyterian Church general tradition inherited Dunn two Overseas platform World Presbyterian Church of Jesus General Assembly WKPC President Kyu-bo Lee with the pastor American Joint General Assembly President Park Deung-bae Pastor reformism Department of Theology of faith the route same by denomination see more big Vision Department mission with two general assembly jointly has been unquestionably To the Korean Presbyterian Church root Dunn overseas two general assembly unitedly Sadang-dong minion origin joint side with center overseas general meeting take the lead get out became that is God's big providence, God's great have a plan to be as I believe. Korean Presbyterian Church consolidation to the general meeting root leave in reformed theology based on five oceans in six weeks scattered serving every pastor, missionary, church leaders unitedly world evangelization, world mission for big use receive Thing to look forward to It's possible. from now on native Korean Presbyterian Church joint general meeting as a brotherhood mission and responsible do it will be And independent as an overseas general meeting world evangelization for lively go ahead get out Thing I promise. copy general assembly words above firmly standing of soul salvation and church renaissance, And to world missions dazzling history to make it happen by faith please pray with love help me wish. country leave to the world scattered Koreans in to the diaspora every church and the saints embrace number there is World Presbyterian Church of Jesus WKPC general meeting through God glory to receive faithfully to serve do. please pray please support please.

세계예수교장로회총회 역대 총회장

our credo World Presbyterian Church of Jesus General Assembly As members, with the most sincere heart, only the Bible, and the whole bible We believe in the accurate and inerrant Word of God written by the inspiration of God. We believe that the Bible is the only guide and rule of our faith and life. Also, we read the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Greater and Smaller Catechisms We believe in the most accurate summary and accurate interpretation of the Bible and faithfully follow it. We, the members of The General Assembly of WKPC, wholeheartedly believe in the Bible; that it is accurate and inerrant for it was inspired by God. We believe that the Bible is our only guidance and law. We also believe and faithfully follow that the Westminster Confession of Faith, and that the Larger & Shorter Catechism have summarized and interpreted the Bible most accurately.

President's Inaugural Address First, I give glory to God for allowing an underprivileged servant to serve as the president of the 47th session of the WPC. I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to all of our members who spared no effort in praying and encouraging me to serve during this session. What I am even more thankful for is that this General Assembly is improving day by day as each year passes. We believe that this is possible because of the dedication and cooperation of our members. But on the other hand, when we look back on this era, we cannot deny that there are challenges and trials. The signs of crisis coming from all over are just miserable. Those crises include the crisis of war, the food crisis due to climate change, the increasingly worsening environmental pollution crisis, the energy crisis, and the gap between the rich and the poor. But more than anything else, the true crisis facing the Lord's ministers is a spiritual crisis. We are threatened by crises such as spiritual indifference toward the church that is getting worse, depletion of spiritual energy among ministers, and loss of spiritual vision and passion in the church. Nevertheless, “We who are called to be good soldiers of Jesus Christ cannot stop in the face of these crises. We must stand together once again with strength, with the power of the name of Jesus Christ and the help of the Holy Spirit. I sincerely hope that we can become partners in overcoming this crisis through the precious spiritual legacy left behind by our ancestors of faith. To this end, I would like to make three actionable promises to work towards this session. First, we will strive to establish a firm identity for our denomination. Based on the Reformed religious heritage handed down by our ancestors, all members will strive to move forward together under the motto, ‘Only for the glory of God.’ Second, we will lead the general assembly to work. In order to become a working general assembly, it must become a mission-centered general assembly. This year, we would like to focus especially on inland missions. We will do our best to ensure that at least one denominational church takes root in a large city with a population of over 1 million. Third, I will do my best to serve you so that we can move toward a harmonious and cooperative general assembly. We hope for the generous cooperation of our members. In general, as any organization grows in size and becomes more active, voices become more diverse, and if it becomes more serious, there is a possibility of conflict. Behind these things, it is easy for a deep foundation of egocentrism to lie, so all members work together to get the job done. We will do our best to handle it. We hope to receive a lot of guidance from our members. Lastly, for a better future development, we will strive to actively discover and involve workers who will work for the next generation so that we can work together. I would like to express my sincere welcome and greetings to all of you who have come to this beautiful, vibrant and romantic city, San Francisco, for the 47th General Assembly.

Address: 125 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90004 Phone: 213-381-0082 (office) Fax: 213-381-0010 Cell phone: 714-334-8491 Website:www.gawpc.com Secretary: Rev. Tony W. Kim Email: office@gawpc.com GAWPC Office

5. FORM OF GOVERNMENT Christianity, ever since the split between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism in 1517, has seen numerous subsequent denominations, each with her own creeds, liturgies, rules of discipline, forms of government, etc., to teach her own doctrines. There are five forms of government, as listed below: 1. Papal Government: Primarily adopted by the Roman Catholic Church and the Greek Orthodox Church, this is the form of government where the Pope governs all local churches. 2. Episcopalian Government: Adopted by the Methodist Church and by the Episcopalian Church, this is the form of government where bishops govern local churches. 3. Independent Government: In this form of government, each local congregation rules and administers on her own, free from the jurisdiction and rule of any ecclesiastical body. 4. Congregational Government: Similar to Independent government, this form of government is characterized by an association made up of the representatives of each local congregation, to discuss matters of mutual concern for their own benefit, but with no authority of order or jurisdiction over local churches. Each local congregation is free to determine her own rules, discipline, liturgy, and interpretations of doctrinal matters. 5. Presbyterian Government: This is the form of government where members of each local congregation elect elders to form a session having tile authority to rule over the congregation. Therefore, this is the most democratic form of government since tile members have the hegemony. The session is made up of ruling elders and teaching elders, including pastors, who govern the local congregation. The session has, as its superior ruling bodies, tile presbytery and tile General Assembly. This form of church government existed in the times of Moses (Ex. 30:16; 18:25,26; Num. 11:16) and of the apostles (Acts 14:23; 18:4; Tit. 1:5; 1 Pet. 5:1; Jas. 5:14), as is fully attested in the Bible. Furthermore, from the standpoint of church history, the most prominent churches of historical significance in the past adopted this form of government. Presbyterian church government is based upon the Westminster Standards, which, at the direction of the Parliament of England, were first drafted by 120 ordained ministers and 30 ruling elders at Westminster Abbey in 1643 and were approved by presbytery meetings in England, and then were officially adopted by the General Assembly as the Constitution of the Church. The Constitution of the World Korean Presbyterian Church, which was ratified in 1978 when the General Assembly was first organized, is based on the Constitution of the Korean Presbyterian Church (Hapdong) of our motherland, which, in turn, is based upon the Westminster Standards. Minor modifications were made to suit ecclesiastical life worldwide. CHAPTER 1 Preliminary Principles There are eight preliminary principles within the Presbyterian form of government, a proper understanding of which are essential to understanding the nature of the church. Article 1 Liberty of Conscience God alone is the Lord of the conscience, and has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which may be contrary to the Scriptures in terms of faith and worship. Therefore, the rights of private judgment in all matters pertaining to religion are universal and inalienable. Article 2 Liberty of the Church 1. In accordance with the principle stated above, every Christian church, as an example of individual freedom, is entitled to declare the terms of admission into its communion and the qualifications of its ministers and members, as well as the whole system of its internal government which Christ has appointed. 2. No church should depend on a civil power, but rather should expect that the civil power will protect all religious organizations and that it will treat each religion fairly. Article 3 Church Officers and Their Responsibilities The Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the church, for the edification of his Body, the church, has appointed various officers, not only to preach the gospel and administer the sacraments, but also to exercise discipline for the preservation of truth and duty. It is therefore incumbent upon these officers and upon the whole church, in whose name they act, to censure or cast out the erroneous and the scandalous, observing in all cases the rules contained in the Scriptures. Article 4 Truth and Practice Truth is founded on holiness. A test of truth is its power to promote holiness, as our Lord said, “By their fruits you shall know them.”(Matt. 7:20) No word can be more pernicious or more absurd than that which brings truth and falsehood upon the same level. There is an inseparable connection between faith and practice, truth and duty. Otherwise, it would be futile either to discover truth or to embrace it. Article 5 The Qualifications of Officers In accordance with the principles stated above, it is necessary to make effective provision for the church to elect officers sound in the faith. There are truths and forms with respect to which men of good character and principles may differ, in which cases it is the duty for both private Christians and the church to exercise mutual forbearance towards each other. Article 6 The Right to Elect Officers Inasmuch as the character, qualifications, and authority of church officers are laid down in the Scriptures, the proper method of officer investiture, and the power to elect officers in any particular body of church court, rest with that body of church court. Article 7 Church Power Whether exercised by the body in general or by representation, all church power is only ministerial and declarative, according to the commandments of God. Since the Holy Scriptures are the only rule of faith and practice, no church judicatory may make laws and rules to bind the conscience, but must follow and submit to his revealed will. Article 8 Discipline If the church steadfastly adheres to the preceding principles, discipline will contribute to the glory and well-being of the church, for the discipline exercised by the church is moral and spiritual in nature. Ecclesiastical discipline does not derive from the power of civil authorities, but from the power, authority, and grace of Christ, the Head of the church universal, for the sake of justice in church polity. CHAPTER 2 Particular Churches Article 1 The Organization of a Particular Church God has elected his people from all nations, that they may be endowed with eternal grace and with his infinite wisdom to constitute the church of the living God, the Body of Jesus, and the temple of the Holy Spirit. The church, consisting of the saints of all nations of the past, the present, and the future, is called the holy catholic church. Article 2 Classifications of the Church The church may be classified as the church visible and the church invisible. The church invisible is known to God alone, whereas the church visible is spread all over the world, consisting of all Christians who honor God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Article 3 Church Assemblies Inasmuch as it is impossible for all the saints to assemble at a single, fixed location for fellowship and worship, it is proper that local churches be established in various locations for public worship services, which is completely in accord with scriptural teaching (Gal. 1:22; Rev. 1:4,20). Article 4 The Local Church A congregation is called a local church, where people who openly profess faith in Jesus Christ, along with their children, assemble at an appointed place and an appointed time to worship God with one accord, leading godly lives in unity as set forth in the Scripture and obeying the Constitution of the Church for the furtherance of his kingdom (Acts 2:47). CHAPTER 3 Church Officers Article 1 The Founding Officer Our Lord Jesus, having exercised his power and authority in his miracles (Matt. 10:8), chose his people from each nation (Ps. 2:8; Rev. 7:9) to form one body (1 Cor. 10:17). Article 2 Perpetual Officers Elders, or bishops (Acts 20: 17,28; 1 Tim. 3:1-7), and deacons constitute the perpetual officers of the church. Elders are classified as: 1. Pastors, who administer the word of God and rule over the congregation, and 2. Ruling elders, whose function is to rule over the congregation. Article 3 Temporary Officers In certain circumstances, a local church may temporarily have unordained officers as listed below: 1. Evangelist (Jundosa): Upon the recommendation of the session, a ministerial candidate, male or female, may be examined by the presbytery for qualification for such a position. Upon approval of the presbytery, he or she may render salaried assistance to the minister. (a) The authority of an evangelist: An evangelist may not be present at session meetings. He may, however, act as moderator of the officers’ meeting in an unorganized church with the consent of the moderator of the session. (b) The qualifications of an evangelist: An evangelist is a seminary graduate or a seminarian who has sustained a qualifying examination administered by the presbytery, with a few exceptions depending on the circumstances. No written examination may be given to those who have been given a similar examination by another presbytery and to those who have graduated from the denominationally controlled seminary. 2. Kwonsa: (a) The qualifications of a kwonsa: A kwonsa is a woman, 45 years of age or older, who has been a communicant member in good standing for a reasonable period of time, serving the church in faith, and who has been elected by a two-thirds vote in a congregational meeting. (b) The duties of a kwonsa: A kwonsa’s duties, under the supervision of the session, include visiting church members, especially those who are infirm and afflicted. 3. Acting deacon and deaconess: The church may appoint faithful men and women, without ordination, to serve as acting deacons and deaconesses for a term of one year. Article 4 Extraordinary Officer A ministerial candidate is known as an extraordinary officer. A ministerial candidate is one who seeks to be a pastor, and may be examined by the presbytery for his qualifications before or while attending a seminary. Functionally, he is under the supervision of the session, whereas formally he is supervised by the presbytery. CHAPTER 4 Pastor (Teaching Elder) Article 1 Definition Ordained and installed by the presbytery, a pastor (also called a teaching elder) may proclaim the gospel of Christ, administer the holy sacraments, and rule over the church, and is therefore an officer of utmost importance and usefulness in the church (Rom. 11:13). The pastor is known by many titles in the Holy Scripture; each describes his duty as a minister of the word. 1. He is called a shepherd as he oversees the flock (Jer. 3:15; 1 Pet. 5:2-4). 2. He is called a servant of Christ as he serves the Lord in the church, or a messenger of Christ, and sometimes a deacon (Phil. 1: 1; 1 Cor. 4: 1; 2 Cor. 3:6). 3. He is called a presbyter as he, in his wisdom, sets an example to all men and faithfully administers God’s house and his kingdom (1 Pet. 5:1-3). 4. He is called a messenger as he is sent by God (Rev. 2:1). 5. He is called an ambassador of Christ, or of the gospel, as he proclaims the holy will of God to sinners, by which he exhorts them to be reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:20; Eph. 6:20). 6. He is called a teacher as he exhorts in honest instruction and rebukes the rebellious to repentance (Tit. 1:9; 1 Tim. 2:7; 2 Tim. 1:11). 7. He is called an evangelist as he brings the good news of salvation to those perishing in sin (2 Tim. 4:5). 8. He is called a steward as he dispenses God’s immeasurable grace and executes his statutes (Luke 12:42; 1 Cor. 4:1-2). These titles exhibit the pastor’s responsibilities, not his rank. Article 2 The Qualifications of a Pastor A candidate for pastoral ministry should be a seminary graduate, should be learned, blameless in life, sound in the faith, and apt to teach, should exhibit sobriety and holiness as shown in the gospel, should rule his own house well, should have a good report of those that are outside the church, and should be no younger than age 27 (1 Tim. 3:1-7). Article 3 The Duties of a Pastor (Teaching Elder) Since God has given different gifts to pastors, and has committed to them various works to execute, the church is authorized to call and appoint them to labor as pastors and teachers, and in such other works as may be needed, according to the gifts in which they excel (Eph. 4:11). 1. When a pastor is called to labor as a pastor in a local congregation, it belongs to his office to pray for the flock, to feed the flock by reading, expounding, and preaching the word, to direct the congregation in singing praise to God, to administer the holy sacraments, to pronounce the benediction representing God, to catechize the children and youth, to visit church members, devoting special attention to the poor, the sick, and the afflicted, and to exercise the power of ruling over the church in close cooperation with the ruling elders. 2. When a pastor is appointed to be a teacher in a seminary, school, or university approved by the General Assembly, it belongs to his office to take pastoral oversight of those committed to his charge and to be diligent in sowing the seed of the word, gathering the fruit thereof as one watching over souls. 3. When a pastor labors as a home or foreign missionary, he may administer the holy sacraments, and is given power to plant and organize churches. Article 4 The Titles of a Pastor A pastor may be given a specific title according to his type of labor and circumstances. 1. Entrusted Pastor: A pastor, having receiving a call from a local congregation, may be entrusted by the presbytery with the full power to rule over the local congregation. Unless circumstances compel him to leave, he may have lifelong ministry therein. 2. Pastor in Charge: This is a pastor who has received a call from an unorganized church and ministers to a local congregation. Once the congregation becomes an organized church and reports to the presbytery, the pastor in charge may be approved by the presbytery to become an entrusted pastor. 3. Associate Pastor: A temporary pastor, with a term of one year, may assist the entrusted pastor with the consent of the presbytery. Approval of the presbytery is required annually. 4. Pastor Emeritus: A pastor who retires after 20 or more years of active ministry, counted from the year of his ordination, may be designated pastor emeritus with a fixed salary, if the congregation so votes and if the presbytery agrees to this honor. 5. Pastor Meritorious: A pastor retiring because of old age after 25 or more years of active ministry, with remarkable merit during the course of his ministry, may be given the title of pastor meritorious to honor him if the presbytery so decides by a two-thirds vote. It must be noted that while a pastor emeritus or a pastor meritorious may continue to be an official member of the presbytery and of the General Assembly, neither of them shall have any duty nor authority to rule over the local congregation. 6. Pastor at Large: This is a pastor who does not have a pastorate. He may participate in discussion in presbytery meetings, but has no vote. 7. Chaplain: This is a pastor ordained by the presbytery who preaches and administers the holy sacraments in assigned military chapels. 8. Education Pastor: This is either: a. A pastor who has received a call from, and labors in, an educational institution recognized by and connected with the General Assembly or the presbytery, or b. A temporary pastor laboring in Christian education at a local congregation. 9. Pastor of Evangelism: This is a pastor who is sent to preach the gospel and evangelize Koreans. 10. Missionary: This is a pastor who is sent to preach the gospel, either at home or overseas. 11. Pastor of Music: This is a minister with a bachelor’s degree in music or higher who labors in church music at a local congregation. CHAPTER 5 Ruling Elder Article 1 Origin As there were elders who oversaw the church in the Old Testament period, ruling elders are established in the New Testament period as well to rule over the church in collaboration with a pastor. Article 2 Power Though their primary responsibility does not lie in the proclamation of the word and doctrine, they share with ministers the same power in administering various matters that come before the church courts (1 Tim. 5:17; Rom. 12:7-8). Article 3 Qualifications He that fills the office of elder should be 30 years of age or older, sound in the faith and blameless in life for at least five years, and should possess a competency of human learning, meeting the qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. Article 4 Duties It belongs to the office of elder: 1. To oversee the spiritual interests of the church. Elders, as representatives of and elected by the membership of the church, should exercise, in close conjunction with ministers, government and discipline, and oversee the spiritual interests of the local or the whole church. 2. To see that no corruption of doctrine or of morals should enter into the church. Elders, individually or as a session, should exhort the flock committed to their charge, that they may not fall into doctrinal error or moral corruption. Elders should report to the session any church member who fails to repent of his or her sin. 3. To visit the people at their homes for comfort, guidance, and instruction. They should especially comfort the mourning, instruct the ignorant, and nourish and guard the children of the church. Elders, by their office and function, assume heavier responsibilities than other laypeople. 4. To oversee the faith of members of the church and to pray for the people. Elders should pray with and for the people and should be careful and diligent in seeking the results of the preached word among the flock. 5. To report to the ministers those requesting visitation. They should report to the ministers those who are sick, those who are mourning, those who repent of their sins, and those who are in need of relief. CHAPTER 6 Deacon Article 1 Definition The office of deacon, quite distinct from the offices of minister and elder, is set forth as perpetual in the church. One who fills the office of deacon should be a blameless man chosen by the membership of the local church, and should be ordained and installed by the minister. Article 2 Qualifications To the office of deacon shall be elected men of honest repute, good faith, wisdom, discretion, respect and honor becoming the gospel, and exemplary life. The service performed by deacons is the same as that of all believers, but ought to be carried out more responsibly by those ordained as deacons (1 Tim. 3:8-13). Article 3 Duties It is the duty of deacons to minister, in cooperation with ministers and elders, to those who are in need: to the sick, to those in prison, to widows and orphans, and to those in distress, all under the supervision and authority of the session. It is also the duty of deacons to collect and to distribute relief funds and to manage the church finances (Acts 6:1-3). CHAPTER 7 Church Government and Courts Article 1 The Necessity of Church Government In governing a church there should be a distinct government and organization (1 Cor. 14:40). Proper understanding of the matter, biblical teachings, and the practice of the apostolic church determine how the church is to be governed. The governing authority of the church lies not in any individuals, but in the church courts, such as the session, the presbytery, and the General Assembly (Acts 15:6). Article 2 The Nature and Jurisdiction of Church Courts There are different classes of church courts, but, since each and every court is made up exclusively of ministers and elders and therefore has the nature of a presbytery, they, having been organized on the basis of equal qualification, possess equal power. The scope of each court is specified in the Book of Church Order. 1. In case of a controversy over doctrine or the government of the church, one has to appeal, according to scriptural teaching, to a higher court in order to attain the purity and peace of the church. Each court should determine the scope of its jurisdiction so as to lawfully handle cases. While each court has its own particular authority, it is subject to the supervision and jurisdiction of a higher court. 2. Each court is not a separate entity, but is united with the other courts; therefore, regardless of what offense is handled in what court, the decision that is made by a lawfully constituted court ultimately becomes the decision of the whole church. Article 3 Meetings Every year each session and each presbytery should meet more than once, and the General Assembly but once, with each meeting opening and closing in prayer. Article 4 The Power of Courts No church court has the power to discipline people for violations of state law (Luke 12:2-14; John 18:36). A church court is concerned with cases which are moral and spiritual and must exhort believers as Christians to obey Christ’s law (Acts 15:1,32). The disobedient and lawless ones are subject to the deprivation of the privileges of their membership in the church. A church court, in order to vindicate the authority of the Scripture, should collect evidence pertaining to the offenses. The court is authorized to summon offenders for investigation and also to have them produce evidence in their favor. The severest form of discipline is to excommunicate the unrepentant and the doctrinally corrupt from the church (Matt. 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 5:4- 5). CHAPTER 8 The Church Session Article 1 The Organization of the Church Session In order to form a church session, there shall be at least 20 communicant members of the church. The session will consist of the pastor and the ruling elders of the church (Acts 14:23; Tit. 1:5) Article 2 The Quorum of the Church Session If there are two elders on the session, one shall constitute a quorum. If there are three or more elders, the majority of the elders and a pastor shall constitute a quorum. If there is one elder, he may conduct all the business. But in the event that the elder opposes a disciplinary action pertaining to himself and with regard to other matters, the matter shall be referred to the presbytery for a decision. Article 3 The Moderator of the Session The pastor of the local church, by virtue of his office, is the moderator of the session. If an emergency should arise, the pastor of the church, with the concurrence of the session, may invite a minister of the same presbytery to which the church belongs to act as moderator, and the same applies when the pastor is absent because of illness or because he is away from home. Article 4 The Interim Moderator of the Session The office of moderator of the session is filled by the pastor in charge of a local church. When a church is without a pastor, the presbytery to which the church belongs shall appoint a minister until a pastor is installed, but in circumstances beyond control, the session may, even without the presence of a minister to act as moderator, take actions on church business, except for judicial cases and other matters of special importance. Article 5 The Duties of the Church Session 1. Supervision of the faith and life of church members: The session shall maintain the spiritual government of the church (Heb. 13:17), and supervise the knowledge and the conduct of church members. 2. Admission and dismissal of church members: The session shall examine people for communicant membership, urge communicant parents to present their children for baptism, examine baptized children to see if they are ready to receive communion, receive and issue letters of transfer for those who have moved (confirming their confirmation, adult baptism, or infant baptism), and even dismiss members. 3. Conduct of the worship service and administration of the sacraments: When a church is without a pastor, the session shall, under the supervision of the presbytery, invite a minister to preach the word and to administer the sacraments. 4. Ordination and installation of elders and deacons: Subsequent to the election of elders and deacons by the congregation, and to their training period of at least six months, elders are then ordained, following their examination and approval by the presbytery, and deacons are ordained following their examination and approval by the session. 5. Collection of offerings: The session determines the dates and methods of collecting church offerings of various types. 6. Exercise of discipline: The session shall summon the offender(s) and the witness(es) among the church members for investigation; if necessary, those who are not members of the church may be summoned as witnesses. Where there is clear evidence of the offense, the session should rebuke, reprimand, suspend, keep from the communion table, dismiss from the church roll, or excommunicate the unrepentant, as appropriate, and lift discipline on the penitent (1 Thess. 5:12-13; 2 Thess.3:6, 14-15; 1 Cor. 11:27-30). 7. Promotion of the spiritual interests and supervision of the organizations within the church: The session shall work for the spiritual interests of the church, visit church members, instruct them in the Scripture, guide and supervise the Church school, the choir, Christian Endeavor and other organizations within the church. 8. Appointment of representatives to the presbytery, and provision of reports and communications: The session shall choose and appoint the representative elder to the presbytery and submit communications and reports on the status of church activities thereto. Article 6 The Power of the Church Session The session exercises, in accordance with the Directory of Worship, authority over the time and place and the order for worship. The session shall purchase, own, manage, and sell the real property of the church. However, if any dispute arises regarding ownership of the property, the presbytery shall have authority over the property until the dispute is resolved. Article 7 The Session Meeting The session shall hold stated meetings at least once a year. Moreover, the pastor has power to convene the session when he judges it requisite, and he shall always convene it when requested to do so by the majority of the elders or when directed to do so by the presbytery. In the pastor’s absence, the majority of the elders may convene a session meeting if such necessity arises. Article 8 Minutes of the Session Every session shall keep an accurate record of its proceedings, and the minutes thereof and the record of any trial shall be submitted once every year to the presbytery for their inspection. Article 9 Rosters Every session shall keep these rosters up to date: 1. The roster of communicant members (date). 2. The roster of infants baptized and those allowed to participate in communion. 3. The roster of the disciplined and the pardoned. 4. The roster of the deceased (date). 5. The roster of those received by transfer (date received). 6. The roster of marriages (date of marriage). Entries should be made using legal names, and for women and children the name of the family head should also be recorded. The maiden names of married women shall be included. CHAPTER 9 The Presbytery Article 1 General Remarks The church, as the Body of Christ, is divided into several local congregations (Acts 6:1-6; 9:31; 21:20). They should cooperate in an effort to maintain the doctrine and the purity of the church, to exercise proper discipline, to teach the knowledge of faith and right doctrine, and to keep members from apostasy and immorality. This calls for a higher court, such as the presbytery, to put these efforts into practice. The fact that there was a presbytery in the apostolic age and that the church consisted of many local congregations is quite evident from Acts 6:1; 9:31; 21:20; 2:41-47; 4:4, etc. Each of these dispersed churches belonged to a presbytery (see Acts 15:2-4, 6-11,23- 30; 21:17-18). Furthermore, evidence shows that besides the church at Ephesus, there were local congregations and presbyteries (Acts 19:20). (Cf. 1 Cor. 16:8,9,19; Acts 18:19,24-26; 20:17-18,25-31,36-37; Rev. 2:1-6.) Article 2 Organization The presbytery shall consist of the ministers (at least three), and of the ruling elders commissioned by the respective sessions of the congregations of the region. Article 3 Qualifications Membership of the presbytery consists of all the pastors, pastors emeritus, pastors meritorious, and the pastors at large commissioned by the presbytery or by the General Assembly. And they do have the right to vote and to be elected delegates. Other ministers have on right to vote or for election. Article 4 Delegates Elder delegates shall be eligible for membership after the stated clerk receives the recommendation and takes the roll. Article 5 Quorum At least two ministers belonging to the presbytery, together with at least two ruling elders, meeting at the time and place appointed, shall be a quorum competent to transact business. Article 6 Duties 1. The presbytery shall have general oversight of sessions, local congregations, ministers, evangelists, candidates for ministry, and all the unorganized churches within its bounds. 2. The presbytery shall have power to receive for action all the references, requests, appeals, complaints, questions, and cases for trial, duly submitted by respective sessions. Matters pertaining to trials shall be transferred to it for action, subject to the provisions of the Book of Discipline (1 Cor. 6: 1; 1 Tim. 5:19). The presbytery shall receive appeals to refer cases to the higher court. 3. The presbytery has power to examine and receive candidates for ministry; to train and to transfer them, along with the proper discipline; to approve the local congregation’s election of additional ruling elders; to examine and allow the ordination and installation of elders-elect; to examine and license evangelists; to administer examinations of ministerial candidates; to effect their ordination, installation, dismissal, and transfer in and out (1 Tim. 4:14; Acts 13:2-3); to approve or disapprove minutes of sessions, and to approve or disapprove records of trials; and to answer and interpret reasonable questions concerning doctrine and discipline (Acts 15:10; Gal. 2:2-5). 4. The presbytery shall prevent words and deeds that injure the sanctity or peace of the church (Acts 15:22-24), and shall visit churches with the purpose of investigating and redressing failures and evils that may have arisen in them (Acts 20: 17,30; 6:2; 15:30). 5. The presbytery has power to found, divide, unite, and close local churches; to organize sessions; to invite pastors for local churches and for unorganized churches; to supervise evangelism; and to direct other matters pertaining to finance. 6. The presbytery shall communicate with the higher court regarding requests and references; receive all the communications from the higher court to put their injunctions into practice in order to administer church business in an orderly manner (1 Cor. 14:33,40); engage in evangelistic activities; commission delegates to the higher court; and contribute to the spiritual welfare of all churches. 7. The presbytery shall examine candidates for the ministry. The subjects shall be the Confession of Faith, the Book of Discipline, the Directory for Worship, and pastoral ministry. There shall also be an oral interview. 8. The presbytery, exercising its powers of oversight, shall set up a visitation committee to visit local churches, including unorganized churches. They shall work together to support the overseeing work of the presbytery. The presbytery has the power to determine the number that should make up the visitation committee and to set the geographical boundaries for their work. Since the visitation committee is not a ruling body, it shall have no power to grant a request to call a pastor, nor has it the power to directly transmit a letter of call to a pastor, nor any power to install by its own will an interim pastor while the presbytery is in recess. However, the visitation committee shall have the power to render necessary assistance to sessions without a pastor that seek to invite guest preachers and to report to the presbytery regarding possible pastoral appointments for pastors within their jurisdiction and the salaries that they should be paid. 9. (a) The presbytery may entrust the work of appointing an interim pastor or an interim session moderator to the visitation committee or to a special committee, so that he may temporarily oversee the church without an installed pastor until the presbytery convenes. The visitation committee is established for the purpose of visiting and rendering care to the local churches on behalf of the presbytery, so it has the power, even when not invited, to be present at session meetings and officers’ meetings to observe, with power to speak, but without a vote. It is advisable for a session to consult with the visitation committee when it discusses the election of elders or the appointment of evangelists. The visitation committee shall report to the presbytery all the circumstances of the churches within its bounds and the matters brought to it, but it shall not infringe upon the power of sessions or individuals to submit a request directly to the presbytery, as that power is protected by the Book of Church Order. (b) When an internal dispute arises in the local church that is within the jurisdiction of a presbytery, regarding membership in the presbytery and the ownership of church property, the right to manage the church property shall temporarily be placed within the hands of the presbytery until the dispute is resolved and the normal operation of the local church is restored. 10. The visitation committee shall occasionally visit and render care to pastors and churches to monitor their spiritual condition, financial affairs, evangelistic efforts, Church school work, and the activities of other organizations, and shall report to the presbytery whether the pastoral ministries are fruitful and beneficial to the members. The visitation committee shall submit to the presbytery any questions and requests presented by the ruling elders, sessions, officers’ board, and other representatives of the respective churches. Article 7 The Record of the Presbytery and the Report Thereof The presbytery shall maintain a full and accurate record of the licensure of evangelists, the ordination of ministers, their transfers in and out, and their deaths; and of the candidates to be ministers and evangelists; and of the founding, dividing, and uniting of churches within its region, and of all the proceedings pertaining to matters brought to the: local churches. The presbytery shall send these records annually to the higher court. Article 8 Various Records the Presbytery Should Keep The presbytery shall keep a record of (1) pastors in charge, (2) ministers at large, (3) pastors emeritus, (4) pastors meritorious, (5) evangelists, and (6) ministerial candidates. Article 9 Presbytery Meetings The presbytery shall meet at an appointed date and location. When there are special cases calling for meetings, the moderator shall, at the request of two ministers from different churches and of two ruling elders from different churches, call a special meeting. Should the moderator be for any reason unable to act, the vice-moderator or the stated clerk shall issue the call. When the moderator calls a special meeting, notice of that special meeting, stating the date and the business, shall be sent not less than ten days in advance to each member, and no business other than that named in the notice is to be transacted. CHAPTER 10 The General Assembly Article 1 Definition The General Assembly is the highest court of all the congregations and courts of this church. It bears the title of the General Assembly of the World Korean Presbyterian Church. Article 2 Organization The General Assembly shall consist of ministers and ruling elders commissioned by the respective presbyteries; their names shall be sent to the stated clerk of the General Assembly no less than two months before the meeting is convened. Article 3 Quorum On the day appointed for the meeting, more than half of the presbyteries must be represented, and more than half of the ministers and ruling elders who are delegates must be present to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Article 4 Duties The General Assembly shall superintend all the affairs of all the congregations and the courts and their interrelations, and shall receive for action from the lower courts references, requests, complaints, appeals, questions, and cases that are lawfully submitted to the Assembly. It shall review all presbytery records for approval or censure, and correspond with all churches so that they may have confidence in one another. Article 5 Powers 1. The General Assembly shall have power to interpret the Book of Church Order (i.e., the Creed, the Westminster Confession of Faith, the Westminster Larger Catechism, the Westminster Shorter Catechism, the Form of Government, Constitutional Rules, the Rules of Discipline, and the Directory for the Worship of God); to decide all controversies involving doctrine and discipline; and to guard against errors in doctrine and immorality in practice. 2. The General Assembly shall have power to form, merge, divide, and terminate presbyteries; to determine geographical boundaries for jurisdiction; to examine ministerial candidates; to superintend all the churches of the General Assembly; and to correspond with representatives of other denominations according to the rules provided thereof. 3. The General Assembly shall suppress schismatic contentions and disputations, maintain orderly conduct for the whole church, and assist it by submitting an agenda for the promotion of charity, truth, and holiness. 4. The General Assembly shall have power to establish committees, to manage missionary endeavors at home and abroad, and to deal with other matters of importance brought before it. It also has the power to found seminaries and colleges/universities. 5. All property of the General Assembly shall be owned by the General Assembly. Article 6 Meetings The General Assembly shall meet annually on the date appointed. If for any reason the moderator is unable to be present, the vice-moderator or the moderator of the preceding assembly shall issue the call to order and shall remain in office until a new moderator is elected. No delegate shall have a right of membership in the General Assembly until he is enrolled and the roll is taken. Article 7 The Opening and Closing of Meetings The General Assembly shall open and close its meetings with prayer, and when the vote is taken for closing the present assembly, the moderator shall say from the chair, “By virtue of the authority delegated to me by the church, let this General Assembly be closed, and I do hereby close it, and require another General Assembly, chosen in the same manner, to meet at _____ on the _____ day of A.D. _______ ,” after which he shall pray and return thanks, and the benediction shall be pronounced. Article 8 Qualifications for the Delegates 1. Delegates to the General Assembly shall be the ministers and ruling elders appointed by the respective presbyteries. 2. No delegate appointed by a newly formed presbytery shall be qualified as such until a report of the formation of the presbytery is filed prior to the election of officers. 3. Only those who are delegates to their presbytery may serve as delegates to the General Assembly. Article 9 Travel Expenses for the Delegates Travel expenses for the delegates are borne by each congregation. CHAPTER 11 The Election and Ordination of Ruling Elders and Deacons Article 1 The Manner of Election Ruling elders and deacons are elected by a two-thirds vote at the congregational meeting conducted according to the provisions for such a meeting. Article 2 Consenting to Installation No session shall install ruling elders until they, after duly elected, are examined by the presbytery, and they themselves consent to serve as elders. Article 3 The Order of Installation When the congregation has assembled on the day and at the place appointed by the session, a sermon shall be preached by the pastor, after which the presiding minister shall briefly state the warrant and nature of the office (of ruling elder or deacon). Having done this, he shall ask the candidate to stand, and shall ask him, in the presence of the church, the following questions: 1. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the word of God, the only infallible and inerrant rule of faith and practice? 2. Do you sincerely receive and adopt the Creed of this Church, and the Westminster Confession of Faith with its Larger and Shorter Catechisms, as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures? 3. Do you approve of the Form of Government, the Constitutional Rules, the Rules of Discipline, and the Directory for Worship of this church? 4. Do you accept the office of ruling elder (or deacon, as the case may be) in this church, and promise, by the grace of God, to faithfully perform all the duties thereof? 5. Do you promise to strive for the peace, unity, and purity of the church? (Note: Questions 4 and 5 above are the “installation vow.”) After the ruling elder or deacon elected has answered affirmatively, the minister shall ask the members of the church to stand, and shall address them the following question: “Do you, the members of this church, acknowledge and receive Mr. ________ as ruling elder (or deacon), and do you vow to yield him all the honor, encouragement, and obedience in the Lord to which his office, according to the Scriptures and the Constitution of this Church, entitles him?” The members of the church having answered affirmatively by holding up their right hands, the minister shall proceed to set apart the candidate, with prayer and the laying on of the hands of the minister alone or of the session, to the office of ruling elder (or deacon), followed by the exchange of handshakes. The minister shall make a pronouncement and declaration, and shall give to the new officer and to the church an exhortation suited to the occasion. Article 4 The Term of Office Ordination to the offices of ruling elder or deacon is perpetual. Nonetheless, there may be a term limit of at least three years, at the end of which a majority vote of the congregation will determine whether the officer is to be reinstalled to serve on active duty. Article 5 Voluntary Leave of Office and Resignation When a ruling elder or deacon cannot perform his duties because of his infirmity or old age, and when he, though chargeable with neither heresy nor immorality, becomes unacceptable in his official capacity to a majority of the church, the session may, at his request, request that he temporarily leave the office or resign. Article 6 Leave of Office and Resignation by Request When an elder or a deacon, though chargeable with no offense, yet due to the circumstances aforementioned, cannot edify the church, the session, after conference with him, shall request that he temporarily leave the office or resign. The session shall make an entry to this effect in the session record. In the event that the person concerned opposes that action, he may appeal. CHAPTER 12 Candidates for the Gospel Ministry Article 1 Remarks on Training So that the sacred office may not be degraded by being committed to unworthy men, and that the church may have an opportunity to form a judgment respecting the ability of candidates for the gospel ministry to lead and rule the church as teaching elders, the Scriptures require that some trial first be made of them (1 Tim. 3:6; 2 Tim. 2:2). The General Assembly shall be responsible for examining the seminary graduates in the subjects prescribed, and the presbytery for interviewing, ordaining, and installing them, if and when they are called to churches. Article 2 Jurisdiction 1. Every applicant for candidacy for the gospel ministry shall make his request known to the presbytery to which he belongs, and shall be under care of that presbytery for his further training. 2. Those ministerial candidates who have graduated from the seminary associated with the General Assembly or from a seminary that the General Assembly recognizes, shall receive ministerial training, after passing the Gang Do Sa written examination mentioned above, under the presbytery to which he has belonged for no less than six months. 3. Those who have graduated from a seminary that the General Assembly does not recognize shall not be eligible for taking the Gang Do Sa examination until they have studied theology and the Constitution of the Church for at least a year at the seminary associated with the General Assembly. Article 3 Subjects for Examination Gang Do Sa written examinations for ministerial candidates are given in the following subjects: (1) systematic theology, (2) the Constitution of the Church, (3) church history, and (4) the history of American Reformed Presbyterianism. Also, the candidate shall write a treatise, an exegetical paper on a passage of Scripture, and a sermon. The chairman of the Examinations and Credentials Committee of the General Assembly shall, in order to have an opportunity to form a judgment of the candidate’s capabilities, announce the theme of the treatise and the texts for the sermon and the biblical exegesis five months prior to the date of examination. CHAPTER 13 The Election and Installation of Pastor and Missionary Article 1 The Qualifications for Ordination A pastor shall be a seminary graduate who has passed all the Gang Do Sa examinations administered by the General Assembly and by the presbytery, and has received a call from a church. Article 2 The Election of a Pastor When a congregation desires to invite a pastor, the session shall call a congregational meeting, and the interim moderator, after preaching a sermon and declaring to the congregation that the purpose of the meeting is to vote to invite a pastor, shall immediately put the call to a vote. Article 3 Preparation for a Call After the vote on a pastor, if it appears that a large minority of the voters are averse to the candidate who has received a majority of votes, the moderator shall endeavor to dissuade the majority from pursuing it further. But if the vote for the pastor is overwhelming, the moderator shall proceed to draw up a call in due form, and to have it subscribed by them and by the moderator, certifying in writing all of the proceedings of the meeting, and the number of those who do not concur in the call shall be laid before the presbytery together with the call. Article 4 The Form of a Call The call to a pastor shall take the following form: The members of ______ Church in _______(town), being well satisfied of your ministerial gifts and qualifications, and having good hope that your ministrations in the gospel will be profitable to our spiritual interests, do earnestly call you to undertake the pastoral office in the said congregation, promising you, in the discharge of your duty during the time of your pastorate with us, all proper support, encouragement, and obedience in the Lord, and do hereby promise and oblige ourselves to pay you a monthly salary in the amount of $ _________. In testimony whereof we have respectively subscribed our names this _____ day of _____ , A.D.____ . We ask that your permission be granted. Signatures of the congregation members Signed by the moderator Submitted to Article 5 The Acceptance of a Call A pastor who receives a call from a church shall see that it is in need of his pastoral care, and when he accepts the call, it is to be taken as his consent to provide that pastoral care. Article 6 The Presentation of a Call The call shall be presented to the presbytery having jurisdiction over the pastor called. The presbytery, if it finds it in order and deems it acceptable, shall place it in the hands of the person to whom it was addressed. No minister shall receive a call directly from a church, but only by permission of his presbytery. Article 7 Calling a Pastor from Another Presbytery When a congregation desires to call a minister of another presbytery, it shall elect the members of the Calling Committee, who, in turn, submit the call to the presbytery to which the congregation belongs. The presbytery, in turn, if it deems it acceptable, shall place the call, along with the reference, in the hands of the presbytery to which the person belongs. The presbytery, if it deems it acceptable, puts the call in the hands of the person who has received the call. When the person is willing to accept the call, the presbytery shall send a letter of transfer to the other presbytery. The person who is transferring to a new presbytery shall submit a written pledge on which he has signed his ordination vows. Article 8 Preparation for Ordination and Installation The presbytery, upon confirming that the person who has received a call meets all the qualifications for holding sacred office, shall ordain him at the church or during a presbytery meeting, and shall install him in the church where he will pastor. In the meantime, the members of the church shall prepare for the occasion with prayer (Acts 13:2, 3). Article 9 The Ordination Service 1. Vow: The presbytery being convened, and a sermon suitable for the occasion preached by the person appointed, the moderator shall, in solemnity, state the nature and importance of ordination. With the person concerned standing, the moderator shall put to him the following questions: a. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the word of God, the only infallible and inerrant rule of faith and practice? b. Do you sincerely receive and adopt the Creed of this Church, and the Westminster Confession of Faith with its Larger and Shorter Catechisms, as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures? c. Do you approve of the Form of Government, the Constitutional Rules, the Rules of Discipline, and the Directory for Worship of this church? d. Do you promise to cooperate with, and be in subjection to, your brethren in the Lord? e. Have you been induced, as far as you know in your own heart, to seek the office of the holy ministry from love to God and a sincere desire to promote his glory and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus, his only begotten Son? f. Do you promise to be zealous and faithful in maintaining the truths of the gospel, and the purity, the peace, and the unity of the church, despite persecution or opposition that may arise against you on that account? g. Do you promise to be faithful and diligent in the exercise of all private and personal duties that become you as a Christian and a minister of the gospel, as well as in all the duties of your office, endeavoring to glorify the gospel and walk with exemplary piety before those among whom God has appointed you to labor? 2. Laying on of Hands: The ordination vow having been made as prescribed above, and the candidate kneeling, the presiding moderator shall, with prayer and the laying on of hands by the presbytery according to the apostolic example, set him apart to the holy office of gospel ministry, and take him by the right hand, saying, “We give you the right hand of fellowship, to take part in this ministry with us” (Gal. 2:9; Acts 1:25). As prescribed above, the candidate shall sign the ordination vows and hand the signed paper over to the moderator. 3. Pronouncement: The presiding moderator shall say, “I now pronounce and declare that Mr. _____ is duly ordained and installed as pastor of ______ Church of the World Korean Presbyterian Church.” 4. Charge: The moderator or some other minister appointed for the purpose shall give a charge to the new pastor (2 Tim. 4:1-2), and the presbytery shall duly record its proceedings in the minutes. Article 10 The Installation Service The presbytery or committee being convened and constituted at the location and time appointed, the installation service shall be conducted as follows: 1. Installation Vow The person to be installed shall respond affirmatively to the following questions: a. Are you now willing to take charge of this congregation as its pastor, agreeable to your declaration in accepting its call? b. Do you conscientiously believe and declare that in taking upon you this charge you are influenced by a sincere desire to promote the glory of God and the good of his church? c. Do you promise that, by the assistance of the grace of God, you will faithfully endeavor to discharge all the duties of a pastor to this congregation, and will be careful to maintain a deportment in all respects becoming a minister of the gospel of Christ, agreeable to your ordination engagements? d. After taking the installation vows, the candidate shall sign them. 2. Congregational Vow The members of the congregation standing, the moderator shall ask the following questions, to which they shall answer affirmatively by holding up their right hands. a. Do you, the people of ____ Church, continue to profess your readiness to receive Reverend ________ , whom you have called to be your pastor? b. Do you promise to receive the word of truth from his mouth with meekness and love, and to submit to him in the due exercise of discipline? c. Do you promise to encourage him in his labors, and to assist his endeavors for your instruction and spiritual edification? d. Do you promise to continue to give, while he is your pastor, that worldly maintenance that you have promised, and whatever else you may see needful for the honor of religion and his comfort among you? 3. Pronouncement The moderator shall pronounce and declare, “In the name of Jesus Christ, the Head of his church, and by virtue of the authority of the presbytery, I now solemnly pronounce and declare that the Reverend _______ has been installed as the pastor of this congregation.” Following the vow, the moderator or some other minister appointed for that purpose shall give a charge to the newly installed pastor and to the congregation, and conclude the service with a benediction. Article 11 A Pastor from Another Denomination When a minister of another denomination seeks admission to a presbytery of this Church, he, if a graduate of a seminary not recognized by the Church, must first study at the Reformed Presbyterian Seminary of the Church for at least one year and be examined regarding his belief in Reformed Theology before he can be admitted to the presbytery. CHAPTER 14 The Transfer of Ministers Article 1 Approval No minister shall transfer to another congregation without the approval of the presbytery, nor shall he receive a call directly from a local church. Article 2 Transfer within the Presbytery When a church desires to call an installed pastor of a church within the presbytery, it shall, with the approval of the congregation, submit the request and the call to the stated clerk of the presbytery a month prior to the presbytery meeting. The clerk, in turn, shall immediately inform the minister being called and the church concerned, of the reasons for the call. The church making the call shall send a Calling Committee member to the presbytery . 1. The member of the Calling Committee shall state the reason for the call before the presbytery, and the presbytery, if it deems it not acceptable, shall withdraw the call. However, if the presbytery deems it acceptable, the same shall approve it and place it in the hands of the minister called. 2. The presbytery, upon hearing the case from the representatives of the respective churches, shall endeavor to maintain the peace and edification of the church, and shall decide whether to permit his transfer or to have him remain. Any case beyond its control may be referred to the higher court. Article 3 Transfer into and out of Another Presbytery When a church desires to call an installed pastor of a church of another presbytery, it shall make such a request known to the presbytery to which the church belongs, and which, in turn if it approves the call, shall send it to the other presbytery. If the other presbytery, after reviewing the case and consulting with the pastor called and with the church, approves, it shall permit him to transfer, dissolve his pastoral relationship with the church, and place a letter of transfer in the hands of the person called, who, in turn, shall deliver it to the presbytery into which he is transferring. The presbytery, upon receipt of his letter of transfer, shall install him at its convenience. No presbytery shall order a transfer against the pastor’s will. CHAPTER 15 The Dissolution of Pastoral Relations Article 1 Voluntary Dissolution When any minister shall tender the resignation of his pastoral charge to his presbytery due to a difficulty, the presbytery shall cite the church to send representatives before it, to address the reason for his resignation. If the church’s representatives fail to appear, or if their explanations be deemed insufficient, his resignation shall be accepted, the proceedings shall be recorded in the minutes, and the church shall be a church without a pastor. Article 2 Recommended Dissolution When a church desires to be relieved of its pastor because he is not in favor, the presbytery shall act upon it after hearing the pastor and the representatives of the church. Article 3 Voluntary Resignation When a pastor deems that his ministry does not benefit the church that he is serving, he shall tender a letter of resignation to the presbytery. Then the presbytery shall confer with the pastor to act upon it. Article 4 Recommended Resignation The presbytery shall recommend the resignation of the pastor who either lacks qualifications for his holy office or is left at large for more than five years, though he is found to be in good health mentally and physically and is capable of laboring in the ministry . Article 5 Leave of Absence When an installed pastor takes a leave of absence from his church for more than a year because of infirmity or some other reason, he shall secure permission from the presbytery, and when he takes a leave of absence for over a year without the permission of the presbytery, his relationship with the church shall be automatically dissolved. CHAPTER 16 Missionaries Article 1 Missionaries The General Assembly may send missionaries, home and foreign, to other ethnic groups and to fellow countrymen in order to plant churches. A candidate, though he has not received a call from a church, may be ordained as a missionary. No one may be ordained as a missionary against his will, but only those who desire it. The worldly maintenance and other expenses for the missionaries shall be borne by the sending courts and agencies. CHAPTER 17 Moderator and Clerk Article 1 Moderator In the judicatories of the church a moderator shall serve as presiding officer, so that business may be conducted with order and dispatch; he shall serve a term according to the rules of the respective judicatories. Article 2 The Powers of the Moderator The moderator, within the limits of the power delegated by the whole body, shall have all authority necessary for the observance of the rules; for the preservation of order; for convening and adjourning the judicatory, and directing its operation according to the rules; for taking actions, after a full discussion, on matters before the judicatory, by the most expeditious means; and for keeping members from infringing upon the right of the floor (which is granted solely by the moderator), and from discussing matters irrelevant to the agenda, and from expressing any insulting, sarcastic, or derogatory comments. The moderator shall have the power to see to it that no members leave the meeting while it is in session and that there be a full explanation to the judicatory of the matter at hand before the voting takes place. In the event that the results of the voting are even, the moderator has the power to vote. If he declines to vote, t hen the matter is automatically disapproved. The moderator shall announce every decision made. In the event that the order of the meeting cannot be maintained due to extraordinary circumstances, he reserves the right to adjourn the meeting. Article 3 Clerk Every judicatory shall choose a clerk to preserve the minutes and the records of all its transactions. He shall serve such a term as the judicatory may determine. Article 4 The Duties of the Clerk It is the duty of the clerk to accurately record all the proceedings of the meeting, to carefully preserve all the records, and, with the consent of the judicatory, to produce extracts from them whenever properly required; and such extracts shall be considered as authentic vouchers of the facts that they declare. CHAPTER 18 The Powers and Responsibilities of Various Agencies of the Church Article 1 Formation A local congregation or a group of congregations, in an endeavor to promote missionary enterprises and charities, and to grow in grace, may organize various agencies within the church. Article 2 Management Any agency organized within a local church shall be under the rule, jurisdiction, and supervision of the session thereof, and when such an agency expands its activities within a presbytery or beyond its presbytery, it shall come under the jurisdiction of that presbytery or the General Assembly, as appropriate. The session and other members of the church may serve as advisers to the various agencies. Article 3 Power By the Constitution of the Church, these agencies, when choosing names, making rules, electing officers, and handling financial matters, shall be under the jurisdiction and supervision of the court. CHAPTER 19 Meetings Article 1 Congregational Meetings 1. Members The membership shall consist of all the communicant members of the church. 2. Calling the Meeting The congregational meeting shall be convened by the session when the session deems it necessary, or when a request is made by the officers’ board, by one-third of the communicant members, or by the higher court. 3. Officers The moderator and the clerk of the session shall serve as moderator and clerk, respectively, in congregational meetings. When the session has no moderator, the session shall ma1ce a request for an interim moderator (among the ministers of the presbytery), and shall prepare the minutes separately, which will be preserved by the clerk. 4. Calling The session shall give public notice to the congregation, stating the date, the place, and the agenda of the meeting, one week in advance. The quorum of the meeting shall consist of those in attendance at the appointed time. However, if the attendance is low, the moderator shall persuade the congregation to reconvene the meeting on another day. 5. Meeting The annual congregational meeting shall hear the proceedings of the session and the reports of the various agencies, adopt the financial reports, and vote on the matters lawfully presented at the meeting. All matters may be decided by majority vote except for the matter of calling a pastor, which requires a two-thirds majority vote and signatures of the majority of the communicant members of the church. Electing elders, deacons, and kwonsas also requires a two-thirds majority vote. Article 2 Officers’ Meetings 1. Formation The officers’ meeting consists of the members of the session and the deacons of the church. The pastor shall serve as moderator and shall help elect a secretary and a treasurer. Under certain circumstances, the session may delegate power to associate pastors, evangelists, kwonsas, and acting deacons to transact the business of the officers’ meeting. 2. The Officers’ Meeting of an Unorganized Church In an unorganized church, the pastor, evangelists, and acting deacons shall carry out the business transactions of the officers’ meeting on a temporary basis. 3. Financial Business (a) The officers’ board shall determine how the funds entrusted to the church shall be distributed. (b) All matters concerning relief, expenses, and church finances shall be acted upon at the officers’ meetings, and the treasurer shall apportion the church funds as the officers’ meetings may decide. (c) The officers’ board shall, at the congregational meeting, present its annual report, including income and expenditures, together with the proposed church finance plan for the ensuing year. The treasurer shall have his records ready for inspection. 4. Quorum A quorum consists of the majority of the members. However, a matter of urgency, if of little consequence, may be immediately acted upon without a quorum, and the decision shall later be reported at the regular meeting for approval. Article 3 Joint Officers’ Boards 1. Formation A regional joint officers’ board may be formed for the convenience of its members. The joint officers’ board shall consist of all the pastors, evangelists, and one or more delegates representing the officers’ boards within the region, and the officers shall be elected by majority vote. 2. Duties The joint officers’ board has no ruling power, but it shall vote on such matters as joint finances, joint evangelistic activities, joint Sunday schools, and joint Christian education. It shall also receive reports on church and evangelistic activities in the region. Chapter 20 Amending the Constitution Article 1 In amending the Form of Government, the Constitutional Rules, the Rules of Discipline, and the Directory for Worship, the General Assembly shall refer it to all the presbyteries for approval by a two-thirds majority vote of each presbytery. The clerk of each presbytery shall notify the clerk of the General Assembly of the action of the presbytery, and the moderator of the next General Assembly shall declare the results and put them into effect. Article 2 In amending the Creed, the Confession of Faith, and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, the General Assembly, after proposing the amendment, shall refer it to the presbyteries for approval by a two-thirds majority of the total votes, and shall adopt the amendment at the next General Assembly. The clerk of each presbytery shall notify, in writing, the clerk of the General Assembly of the action taken by the presbytery. Article 3 The General Assembly, before proposing an amendment to the Creed, the Confession of Faith, or the Larger or Shorter Catechism to the presbyteries, shall appoint a special committee of eleven or more members (ministers and ruling elders) for a year of study on the matter. They shall make a report to the next General Assembly, and no more than three members from anyone presbytery shall be on the committee. Article 4 When an amendment to the Constitution is proposed to the General Assembly by at least one-third of the presbyteries, the General Assembly, in turn, shall propose the amendment to all the presbyteries and it shall be acted upon as prescribed in Articles 1 and 2 above.

8. THE DIRECTORY FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD CHAPTER 1 THE SANCTIFICATION OF THE LORD'S DAY 1. It is the duty of every person to remember the Lord's Day and to prepare for it before its approach. All worldly business should be so ordered and seasonably laid aside, so that we may not be hindered thereby from sanctifying the Sabbath as the Holy Scriptures require. 2. The whole day is to be kept holy to the Lord and to be employed in the public and private exercises of religion. Therefore, except for matters of emergency, it is requisite that there be holy resting all day from labors and activities for bodily pleasures, and also from worldly thoughts and conversation. 3. Let the provisions for the support of the family on that day be so ordered that family members and guests in the house be not improperly hindered from the public worship of God and sanctifying the Sabbath. 4. Let every person and family prepare for communion with God in his public ordinances by secret and private prayer for themselves and others, and especially for the assistance of God to their minister, and for a blessing upon his ministry, by reading the Scriptures and by holy meditation. 5. Let the people be careful to assemble at the appointed time; that, being all present at the beginning, they may unite with one heart in all the parts of public worship, and let no one unnecessarily depart till the blessing be pronounced. 6. Let the time after the solemn services of the congregation in public are over, be spent in reading devotional books, studying the Bible and meditating upon it, catechizing, engaging in religious conversation, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, visiting the sick, relieving the poor, instructing those weak in faith, evangelizing unbelievers, and in performing similar duties of piety, charity, and mercy. CHAPTER 2 THE ASSEMBLING OF THE CONGREGATION AND THEIR BEHAVIOR DURING THE WORSHIP SERVICE 1. When the time appointed for public worship has come, let the people enter the church and take their seats in a decent, grave, and reverent manner. They shall also pray quietly for their pastor, those who are attending worship, and those who are unable to attend. 2. During the time of public worship, let all the people attend with gravity and reverence, forbearing to read anything except what the minister is then reading or citing, abstaining from all whisperings, from salutations of persons present, from gazing about, sleeping, laughing, and other indecent behavior. It is recommended that children be with their parents, as it is important for families to worship together in the house of God. If children are to have a separate children's service, then a member of the session must attend and lead the worship. CHAPTER 3 THE PUBLIC READING OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES 1. The reading of the Holy Scriptures in the congregation is a part of the public worship of God and ought to be performed by the ministers and those who are permitted to do so. 2. The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments shall be publicly read from the most approved translation that all may hear and understand. 3. How large a portion shall be read at once, is left to the discretion of the minister. When he thinks it is expedient, he may expound any part of what is read. However, reading the Holy Scriptures, singing, praying, or any other ordinance shall not be overly disproportionate in regard to time, and the worship service as a whole shall not be too short or too tedious. CHAPTER 4 THE SINGING OF PSALMS AND HYMNS 1. It is the duty of Christians to praise God by singing psalms and hymns publicly in the church, as also privately in the family. In doing so, their language shall reflect what is befitting of the Scripture, which honors God. 2. In singing the praise of God, we are to sing with the spirit and with the understanding also, making melody in our hearts unto the Lord. It is also proper that we cultivate some knowledge of the rules of music, that we may praise God in a becoming manner with our voices as well as with our hearts. Let the people bring their own hymnals and choose hymns of modest difficulty so that everyone can sing together and get better at it. CHAPTER 5 PUBLIC PRAYER 1. It seems very proper to begin the public worship of the sanctuary with prayer, humbly adoring the infinite majesty of the living God, expressing our having been distant from him because of our bodily desires and our unworthiness as sinners, and humbly imploring his gracious presence, the assistance of his Holy Spirit in the duties of worship, and his acceptance of us through the merits of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2. Then, after singing a psalm or hymn, it is proper that, before the sermon, there should be a prayer that includes the petitions of the believers in a comprehensive way. Moreover, the following shall be included: (a) Adoring the glory of God as it is made known to us in the works of creation, in the workings of providence, and in the clear and full revelation he has made of himself in his written word. (b) Giving thanks to him for all of his mercies of every kind, general and particular, spiritual and temporal, common and special; above all, for Jesus Christ, his unspeakable gift, who transcends all grace, for the hope of eternal life through him, and for sending us the Holy Spirit and his manifestation. (c) Making humble confession of sin, both original and actual; acknowledging all sin as being a departure from the living God and endeavoring to impress the mind of every worshiper with a deep sense of its evil; and also taking a particular and affecting view of the various fruits which proceed from this root of bitterness, as sins against God, sins of harming our neighbor, accidental sins, and habitual sins. Also, confessing the aggravations of sin, such as sins committed due to lack of discernment, sins committed despite having discernment, sins committed even after receiving special mercies, and sins committed despite making vows. (d) Making earnest supplication for the pardon of sin through the blood of the Atonement, for peace with God through which all its important and happy fruit result, for the Spirit of sanctification, for abundant supplies of the grace that is necessary for the discharge of our duty, for support and comfort under all the trials to which we are liable as we are sinful and mortal, and for all temporal mercies that may be necessary in our passage through this vale of tears. In making these supplications, we shall remember that this grace flows from God's covenantal love and that it is given in order to protect our spiritual life and to promote its progress. (e) Our supplications in prayer will be granted because of every principle warranted in the Old and New Testaments: our own necessity, the all sufficiency of God, the merit and intercession of our Savior, and the glory of God manifested in the comfort and happiness of his people. (f) Intercession for others, including the whole world of mankind, for outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all mankind, for peace, purity, and growth of the church of God, for pastors and missionaries in various regions, for those persecuted for righteous causes, for the church or churches with which we are more particularly connected, for those afflicted and about to die, for those in unfortunate circumstances, for the poor and needy, for vagabonds and those imprisoned, for men and women, for those traveling, for the region wherein the church is located and for the civil authority and soldiers thereof, and for any other matters. The officiating pastor shall carefully consider and decide which matters the congregation should pray for more. 3. Prayer after the sermon generally ought to have a relation to the subject that has been treated of in the discourse. All other public prayer should be based on the circumstances that provided the occasion for it. 4. As stated thus far, all the preceding directions concerning prayer are of a very great compass and variety, and it is committed to the judgment and fidelity of the officiating pastor to insist chiefly on such parts, or to take in more or less of the several parts. Although ministers should not be confirmed to set or fixed forms of prayer for public worship, yet it is the indispensable duty of every minister to prepare and qualify himself for sermon as well as for prayer. Moreover, he ought, by a thorough acquaintance with Holy Scripture, by reading the best writers on the subject, by meditation, and by a life of communion with God in secret, to endeavor to acquire both the spirit and the gift of prayer. Not only that, he should endeavor to compose his spirit and to digest and prepare his thoughts for prayer, that it may be performed with dignity and propriety, as well as to the profit of those who join in it; and that he may not disgrace that important service by meaningless, irregular, or extravagant effusions. 5. All those who are present at public prayer must have a solemn attitude. The congregation should have the identical posture if possible. Praying in the standing posture is mentioned in Scriptures, and was practiced by the early churches, and has been a Presbyterian practice. Nevertheless, either standing or sitting is acceptable. CHAPTER 6 THE PREACHING OF THE WORD 1. The preaching of the word being an institution of God for the salvation of men, great attention should be paid to the manner of performing it. Every minister ought to give diligent application to it, and endeavor to prove himself a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly discerning the word of truth. 2. The subject of a sermon should be some verse or verses of the Scripture, and its object should be to explain, exposit, and apply some part of the system of divine truth. It is proper also that large portions of Scripture be sometimes expounded, and particularly improved, for the instruction of the people regarding the bounds and obligation of their duty. Apologetics may be done, if necessary. 3. Preachers must study the method of preaching, and meditate and pray in preparing their sermons with care; and not indulge themselves in loose, extemporary harangues; nor serve God with that which cost them naught (2 Sam. 24:24). However, they ought to keep to the simplicity of the gospel, expressing themselves in language agreeable to the Scripture, and level to the understanding of the mean of their hearers, carefully avoiding ostentation either of their academic achievements or talents. They also ought to adorn, by their lives, the doctrine that they teach (Titus 2: 10), and ought to be examples to the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. 4. As one primary design of public ordinances is to pay social acts of homage to the most high God, ministers ought to be careful not to make their sermons so long as to interfere with or exclude the more important duties of prayer and praise, but preserve a just proportion between the several parts of public worship. 5. The sermon being ended, the minister is to pray and return thanks to almighty God. Then let a psalm or hymn be sung, and let the assembly be dismissed with the apostolic benediction (2 Cor. 13:14; Jude 24-25; Heb. 13:20-21; Eph. 3:20-21; 2 Thess. 3:16-17; Num. 6:24-26). 6. As the Scripture so clearly teaches, we ought to give systematically and cheerfully to meet the expenses of the church, to spread the gospel both in home and foreign fields, and to help the needy. This is an expression of our desire to receive blessings from the Lord, and it ought to be understood to be a part of public worship. It is for the church session to decide when the offering should be taken during the service. 7. It is expedient that no person, other than those sent by the presbytery, be introduced to preach in any of die churches under our care, unless by the consent of the pastor or church session. CHAPTER 7 CHURCH SCHOOL 1. The Church school program should include prayer, praise, Scripture lessons, doctrine, catechisms, church government, the Constitution of the Church, and offerings for home and foreign missions. Attendance at Church school should not hinder children's attending the worship service, nor should it excuse parents from carrying out their duty of training their children directly. Church school must be supervised by the church session. 2. The superintendent must open the school at the scheduled time. He must oversee the classes from the beginning to the end. He must check whether the right teachers are in the classes, the children are under control, the children are growing in the faith, the children are encouraged by the teacher, and the teachers are serious and pious, thereby influencing the children to be likewise. 3. Teachers ought to prepare their lessons with meditation, prayer, and hard work, so that their duties are well performed. If there are unsaved children in the class, the teacher must advise and invite the children to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior. The teacher ought to visit the sick and pray for those who are having problems. The teacher must be punctual, so that the children will be encouraged to be punctual also. CHAPTER 8 PRAYER MEETINGS 1. Prayer meetings should be held under the supervision of the church session. The meetings shall be scheduled regularly on a weekly basis. For those who live far away, some special meeting may be arranged. At this type of special meeting, either the minister or an elder or someone who is spiritually mature should conduct the meeting. The meeting shall contain prayer, praise, reading of Scripture, and a brief exhortation. 2. Let every person pray. The prayer should be short, yet spiritual. The prayer should not be so long as to be tedious. CHAPTER 9 INFANT BAPTISM 1. Baptism is not to be unnecessarily delayed; nor to be administered, in any case, by a private person, but by a minister of Christ, called to be the steward of the mysteries of God. 2. Baptism is usually to be administered in the church, in the presence of the congregation. 3. After previous notice is given to the minister, the child to be baptized is to be presented, by one or both parents, signing their desire that the child be baptized. 4. Before baptism, let the minister use some words of instruction, respecting the institution, nature, use, and ends of this ordinance; showing, “That it is instituted by Christ; that it is a seal of the righteousness of faith; that the seed of the faithful have no less a right to this ordinance under the gospel than the seed of Abraham to circumcision, under the Old Testament; that Christ commanded all nations to be baptized; that he blessed little children, declaring that of such is the kingdom of heaven; that the blessings of the gospel extend not only to believers, but also to their families, and that the apostles baptized whole households; that we are, by nature, sinful, guilty, and polluted, and have the need of cleansing by the blood of Christ, and by the sanctifying power of the Spirit of God.” The minister shall also exhort the parents to perform their duty carefully; requiring, “That they teach the child to read the Word of God; that they instruct it in the principles of our holy religion as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament; an excellent summary of which we have in the Westminster Confession of Faith, and in the Larger and Shorter Catechisms of the Westminster Assembly, which are to be recommended to them, as adopted by this church, for their direction and assistance, in the discharge of this important duty; that they pray with and for it; that they set an example of piety and godliness before it; and endeavor by all the means of God's appointment, to bring it up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” 5. Then the minister shall ask the parents: (a) “Do you acknowledge that the child needs the grace of washing by the blood of Christ and renewing by the Holy Spirit?” (b) “Do you wish the covenant promise for this child and acknowledge that this child will be saved by trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ, just as you seek earnestly your own salvation?” (c) “Do you completely dedicate this child to God, and trust God's grace in humility, and promise to be a good example to this child, to pray for and with this child, to instruct this child in the holy Christian religion, and to be active in the instructions which God has ordained to train up this child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord?” 6. Then the minister is to pray for a blessing to attend this ordinance; after which, calling the child by its name, he shall say, “I baptize you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” As he pronounces these words, he is to baptize the child with water, by pouring or sprinkling it on the head of the child; and the whole shall be concluded with prayer. Although it is proper that baptism be administered in the presence of the congregation, yet there may be cases when it will be expedient to administer this ordinance in private houses, of which the minister is to be the judge. CHAPTER 10 THE ADMISSION OF PERSONS TO SEALING ORDINANCES 1. Children, born within the pale of the visible church and dedicated to God in baptism, are subject to the examination and government of the church, and are to be taught to read and repeat the catechism, the Apostles' Creed, and the Lord's Prayer. They are to be taught to pray, to abhor sin, to fear God, and to love and obey the Lord Jesus Christ. And when they come to years of discretion, efforts will be made to inform them that they have been a member of church from birth, and that it is their duty and their privilege to put their trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, to confess their faith to others, and to come to the Lord's Supper. 2. The years of discretion, in young Christians, cannot be precisely fixed. This must be left to the discretion of the session. The officers of the church are the judges of the qualifications of .those to be admitted to sealing ordinances, and of the time when it is proper to admit young Christians to them. 3. Those who are to be admitted to sealing ordinances shall be required to give evidence of their knowledge and faith in God, and then, if they have not previously been baptized, they shall, after making a public profession of their faith in the presence of the congregation, be baptized. 4. When persons who have received infant baptism participate in the Lord's Supper for the first time with the permission of the session, they shall make a public profession of their faith and ought to be clearly reminded of their special relation with the church from birth. 5. The process for admission to church membership shall be as follows: (a) On the day of confirmation, after the person has been approved by the church session, he shall stand in front of the congregation, and the minister shall say to the congregation, “Whereas this person _____ has been a member of this church through infant baptism and an inheritor of the covenant promise, and was dedicated to the Lord by the solemn oath of the parents, and has expressed a desire to become a responsible member of the body of the believers to fulfill the obligations and privileges pertaining to the inheritance bestowed on believers, the church session, having examined his/her faith in Christ and knowledge concerning the Lord's body, has admitted this person into church membership.” (b) If a person to be baptized is present, the minister shall say: “Baptism is the sign and seal of the engrafting of the believer into the Lord and the uniting of the believer with Christ. Since this person has been baptized, and seeks to become a member of the church of God, the church session, having examined and approved of his/her faith in Christ and of his/her spiritual growth, welcomes this person into our fellowship. Let us thank the Lord for this occasion.” (c) Then the minister shall say to the person who has been confirmed by one of the two above statements: “You are here to publicly confess your faith. You must know that you are making a solemn covenant with God and his church by accepting the following statements and pledges:” (1) “Do you acknowledge that you are a sinner before God and that you deserve nothing but the wrath of God, and that the only way for you to be saved is by God's great mercy?” (2) “Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the only Savior of sinners, and, as the gospel says, that Jesus is the only One who can save you, and do you believe and trust him alone?” (3) “Do you trust the grace of the Holy Ghost to give you a desire to follow Jesus Christ, and will you forsake sin and live according to Christ's teachings and examples?” (4) “Do you promise to submit yourself to the discipline of the church, and to seek the peace and purity of the church?” Then the minister shall charge the persons who would be either baptized or admitted to church membership in solemn responsibility as the inheritors of the covenant promises. After a short exhortation the minister shall perform the baptism. After the baptism, the service will close with a prayer. 6. The minister shall announce the names of those who have been transferred to the congregation and speak concerning their virtue and love. CHAPTER 11 THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER 1. The communion or supper of the Lord is to be celebrated frequently, but how often may be determined by the session of each congregation, as they judge to be most edifying. 2. Those who are ignorant of the Lord's body and those who are scandalous are not to be admitted to the Lord's Supper. 3. It is proper that public notice should be given to the congregation, at least the Sabbath before the administration of this ordinance, and that, either then or on some day of the week, the people be instructed in its nature, and a due preparation for it; that all may come in a suitable manner to this holy feast. 4. When the sermon is ended, the minister shall say, “The Lord's Supper is to be observed in remembrance of Christ, to show forth his death till he comes; it is of inestimable benefit to strengthen his people against sin, to support them under troubles, to encourage and quicken them in their duty, to inspire them with love and zeal, to increase their faith and holy resolution, and to beget peace of conscience and comfortable hopes of eternal life.” He is to warn the profane, the ignorant, and the scandalous, and those that secretly indulge themselves in any known sin, not to approach the holy table. On the other hand, he shall invite to this holy table, such as, sensible of their lost and helpless states by sin, depend upon the atonement of Christ for pardon and acceptance of God; such as, being instructed in the gospel doctrine, have a competent knowledge to discern the Lord's body; and such as desire to renounce their sins, and are determined to lead a holy and godly life. 5. The table on which the elements are placed should be decently covered, with the bread in convenient dishes and the wine in cups, and the communicants orderly and gravely sitting around the table (or in their seats before it) in the presence of the minister, with elders nearby to help; let him set the elements apart by prayer and thanksgiving. The bread and the wine being thus set apart by prayer and thanksgiving, the minister is to take the bread, and break .it, in the view of the people, saying in expressions of this sort: “Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the same night in which he was betrayed, having taken bread, and blessed and broken it, gave it to his disciples; as I ministering in his name, give this bread unto you; saying (here the bread is to be distributed), 'Take, eat: this is my body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of me.'” After having distributed the bread with the assistance of the elders, he shall take the cup, and say, “After the same manner our Savior also took the cup; and having given thanks, as has been done in his name, he gave it to the disciples, saying (while the minister is repeating these words let him give the cup), 'This cup is the new testament in my blood which is shed for many for the remission of sins: drink ye all of it.'” The elders shall assist in distributing the cup. The order of the Lord's Supper may be as follows: The communicants shall take it first, then the minister, and then the minister may give it to the elders. Or the minister may take it first, then the communicants, and then the minister may give it to the elders. 6. This is to be done in the spirit of covenant with the Lord, and everyone must be in prayer, thanksgiving, meditation, and supplication during the distribution. 7. The minister may, in a few words, remind the communicants: “Of the grace of God in Jesus Christ, held forth in this sacrament, and of their obligation to be the Lord's; and may exhort them to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith they are called; and, as they have professedly received Christ Jesus the Lord, that they be careful so to walk in him, and to maintain good works.” It may not be improper for the minister to give a word of exhortation also to those who have been only spectators, reminding them: “Of their duty; stating their sin and danger, by living in disobedience to Christ, in neglecting this holy ordinance; and calling upon them to be earnest in making preparation for attending upon it, at the next time for its celebration.” Then the minister is to pray and give thanks to God: “For his rich mercy and invaluable goodness vouchsafed to them in that sacred communion; to implore pardon for the defects of the whole service; and to pray for the acceptance of their persons and performances; for the gracious assistance of the Holy Spirit, to enable them, as they have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so to walk in him; that they may hold fast that which they have received, that no man take their crown; that their conversation may be as it becomes the gospel; that they may bear about with them, continually, the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in their mortal body; that their light may so shine before men, that others, seeing their good works, may glorify their Father who is in heaven.” The collection for the poor, and to defray the expense of the elements, may be made after this or at such other time as may seem appropriate to the session. Now let a psalm or hymn be sung, and the congregation dismissed with the following or some other gospel benediction: “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” 8. As it has been customary, in some parts of the church, to observe a fast before the Lord's Supper; to have a sermon on Saturday and Monday; and to invite two or three ministers on such occasions; and as these seasons have been blessed to many souls, and may tend to keep up a more strict union of ministers and congregations; it is not improper that they who choose it may continue in this practice. CHAPTER 12 THE SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGE 1. Marriage is not a sacrament, nor an institution unique to the church of Christ, but it is a holy institution established by God. It is proper that every commonwealth, for the good of society, make laws to regular marriage, which all citizens are bound to obey. 2. Christians ought to marry in the Lord; therefore, it is fit that their marriage be solemnized by a lawful minister; that special instruction be given to them, and suitable prayers made, when they enter this relation. 3. Marriage is to be between one man and one woman only, and they are not to be within the degrees of consanguinity or affinity prohibited by the Word of God. 4. The parties ought to be of such years of discretion as to be capable of making their own choice and shall receive the consent of their parents or guardians. This shall be well certified to the minister, before he proceeds to solemnize the marriage. 5. Parents neither ought to compel their children to marry contrary to their inclinations, nor deny their consent without just and important reasons. 6. Marriage is of a public nature. The welfare of civil society, the happiness of families, and the credit of religion, is deeply interested in it. Therefore, the purpose of marriage ought to be sufficiently published a proper time previous to the solemnization of it. It is enjoined on all ministers to be careful that, in this matter, they neither transgress the laws of God, nor the laws of the community: and that they may not destroy the peace and comfort of families, they must be properly certified with respect to the parties applying to them, that no just objects lie against their marriage . 7. Marriage must always be performed before the competent number of witnesses. The minister is to give a certificate of marriage upon request. 8. Let the minister keep a proper register for the names of all person whom he marries, and of the time of their marriage, for the perusal of all whom it may concern in the future. CHAPTER 13 THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 1. The proper procedure for the funeral shall include singing appropriate psalms and hymnals, and reading appropriate portions of Scripture. The minister shall give an explanation as he deems appropriate, shall pray to comfort those grieved, that they may receive the grace of God so that their sadness may change to joy in his eternal benefits. 2. While ministers frequently conduct the funeral as they see fit, they shall not forget to caution, instruct, and comfort the survivors. Moreover, the word of God may not be misapplied to suggest that the deceased, if having died without faith in Christ, has any hope of salvation. CHAPTER 14 FASTING AND THE OBSERVING OF DAYS OF THANKSGIVING 1. There is no day under the gospel commanded to be kept holy, except the Lord's Day, which is the Christian Sabbath. Nevertheless, to observe days of fasting and thanksgiving, as the extraordinary dispensations of divine providence may direct, is both scriptural and reasonable. 2. Fasts and thanksgivings may be observed by individual Christians; or families, in private; by particular congregations; by a number of congregations contiguous to each other; by the congregations under the care of a presbytery, or of a synod; or by all the congregations of our church. 3. Public notice is to be given a convenient time before that day of fasting or thanksgiving comes, that persons may so order their temporal affairs, that they may properly attend to the duties thereof. 4. There shall be public worship upon all such days: and let the prayers, psalms, portions of Scripture to be read, and sermons, be all in a special manner adapted to the occasion. 5. On fast days, let the minister point out the authority and providence calling to the observation thereof; and let him spend a more than usual portion of time in solemn prayer, particularly confession of sin, especially the sins of the day and place, with their aggravations which have brought down the judgments of heaven. And let the whole day be spent in deep humiliation and mourning before God. 6. On days of thanksgiving, he is to give the like information respecting the authority and providence that call to the observance of them; and to spend more than the usual part of their time in the giving of thanks, agreeable to the occasion, and in singing psalms or hymns of praise. It is the duty of people on these days to rejoice with holy gladness of heart; but let trembling be so joined with our mirth, that no excess of unbecoming levity be indulged. CHAPTER 15 THE DIRECTORY FOR SECRET PRAYER AND FAMILY WORSHIP 1. Besides attending public worship in congregations, it is the indispensable duty of each person, alone, in secret, and of every family, by itself, in private, to pray to and worship God. 2. Secret worship is most plainly enjoined by our Lord. In this duty everyone, apart by himself, is to spend some time in prayer, reading the Scriptures, holy meditation, and serious self-examination. The many advantages arising from a conscientious discharge of these duties, are best known to those who are found in the faithful discharge of them. 3. Family worship that ought to be performed by every family, ordinarily morning and evening, consists in prayer, reading the Scriptures, and singing praises. 4. The head of the family, who is to lead in this service, ought to be careful that all the members of his household duly attend; and that none withdraw themselves unnecessarily from any part of family worship; and that all refrain from their common business while the Scriptures are read, and gravely attend to the same, no less than when prayer or praise is offered up. 5. Let the heads of families be careful to instruct their children and servants in the principles of religion. Every proper opportunity ought to be embraced for such instruction. Sabbath evenings, after public worship, should be sacredly preserved for this purpose. Therefore, we highly disapprove of paying unnecessary private visits on the Lord's Day; admitting strangers into the families, except when necessity or charity requires it. CHAPTER 16 THE MANNER OF IMPOSING CHURCH CENSURES 1. Church censures should be imposed in proportion to the nature of the offense. Offenses of a personal nature may be censured by the church judicatory in secret, publicly, or in the presence of the congregation. Even though the offense has been known publicly, if the circumstance or the cause is somewhat unique and the offense is not of a serious nature, then the offender ought to be rebuked privately or censured temporarily. But if the censure involves excommunication or deposition, it should be pronounced to the offender in the presence of the congregation or publicly announced to the church according to the decision of the governing body. 2. When any member of the church shall have been guilty of a fault deserving censure, the judicatory shall proceed with all tenderness, and restore their offending brother in the spirit of meekness; considering themselves, least they also be tempted. 3. Admonition consists in reproving the offender by one or two representatives sent by the judicatory if the offense was unintended or unknown. However, if the offense has been manifested openly, the chairman shall revuke the offender at the judicatory and pronounce it publicly. 4. Censures of a temporary nature may serve as an example to others. Therefore, the sentence may be pronounced by the governing body to the offender publicly or to the church. 5. Censures of a permanent nature ought to be imposed with great solemnity, that it may be the means of impressing the mind of the delinquent with a proper sense of his danger, while he stands excluded from the privileges of the church of the living God ; and that, with divine blessing, it may lead him to repentance. When the judicatory has resolved to suspend a member from church privileges, the moderator shall address him in the following way: “Because there is clear evidence that Mr. _________(minister, elder, deacon, member) is guilty of the sin of (here mention the particular offense), the presbytery (or the session) shall suspend him from the sacraments of the church in the name, and by the authority, of the Lord Jesus Christ, till there is satisfactory evidence of the sincerity of repentance.” To this shall be added such advice, admonition, or rebuke, as may be judged necessary, and the whole shall be concluded by prayer to almighty God, that he would follow this act of discipline with his blessing. 6. Upon deciding to excommunicate the offender, the minister shall give the church or congregation a short account of the steps that have been taken with respect to their offending brother, and inform them that it has been found necessary to cut him off from communion; and he shall in the presence of the church or congregation pronounce this sentence, in the following or like manner: He shall begin by showing the authority of the church to cast out unworthy members, from Matthew 18:15-18; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, and shall briefly explain the nature, use, and consequences of this censure, warning the people to avoid all unnecessary intercourse with him who is cast out. Then he shall say: “Whereas ________ has been, by sufficient proof, convicted of (here insert the sin), and after much admonition and prayer obstinately refuses to hear the church, and has manifested no evidence of repentance; therefore in the name, and by the authority, of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pronounce him to be excluded from the communion of the church.” After that, prayer shall be made that the blessing of God may follow his ordinance, for the conviction and reformation of the excommunicated person and for the establishment of all true believers. 7. If the sentence involves suspension from office, the moderator shall say: “Whereas you, ______ (here insert the office of the offender), have been, by sufficient proof, convicted of (here insert the sin), through a careful trial, we are fully convinced that you are not fit for the office of ( insert the name of the office). Therefore, we now declare, in the name, and by the authority, of the Lord Jesus Christ, that you are suspended from that office and not allowed to exercise that office.” If that pronouncement involves deposition or excommunication, the moderator shall continue to say: “We by the same authority pronounce that ______ shall be suspended from the sacraments and the communion of the church until the person manifests the proof of a sincere repentance which shall satisfy the church.” The matters of deposition ought to be treated solemnly like the matters relating to excommunication. CHAPTER 17 RESTORATION 1. After any person has been thus suspended from the sacraments, it is proper that the minister, and elders, and other Christians should frequently converse with him, pray together, and pray for him in private. 2. When the judicatory shall be satisfied as to the reality of the repentance of any offender, he shall be admitted to profess his repentance, and be restored to the privileges of the church. This restoration shall be declared to the penitent in the presence of the church session or the congregation, with this pronouncement: “Whereas you, _______ (here insert his former office), were suspended from the communion of the church, but have now manifested such repentance as satisfies the church, the church session (presbytery), in the name, and by the authority, of the Lord Jesus Christ, declares that you are absolved from the sentence of suspension from the communion of the church. You are now restored to your previous office and privileges.” Then prayer and thanksgiving shall follow. 3. When one who has been excommunicated shall also be so affected with his state as to be brought to repentance, and to desire to be readmitted to the privileges of the church, the church session, having obtained sufficient evidence of his sincere repentance, shall , with the advice and concurrence of the presbytery, restore him. In order to do that, the minister shall inform the congregation of the measures that have been taken with the excommunicated person, and of the resolution of the session to receive him again into the communion of the church. On the day appointed for his restoration, the minister shall call upon the excommunicated person and ask him, in the presence of the congregation, the following questions: Q: “Do you, from a deep sense of your great wickedness, freely confess your sin, in thus rebelling against God, and in refusing to hear his church, and do you acknowledge that you have been in justice and mercy cut off from the communion of the saints?” Answer: “I do.” Q: “Do you now voluntarily profess your sincere repentance and deep contrition for your sin and obstinacy, and do you humbly ask the forgiveness of God and of his church?” Answer: “I do.” Q: “Do you sincerely promise, through divine grace, to live in all humbleness of mind and circumspection, and to endeavor to adorn the doctrine of God our Savior, by having your behavior to be in accordance with the gospel? Answer: “I do.” Here the minister shall give the penitent a suitable exhortation, addressing him with brotherly love, encouraging and comforting him. Then he shall pronounce the sentence of restoration, in the following words: “Whereas you, _______ , have been shut out from the communion of the faithful, but have now manifested such repentance as satisfies the church; in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by his authority, I declare you absolved from the sentence of excommunication formerly pronounced against you, and I do receive you into the communion of the church, that you may be a partaker of all the benefits of the Lord Jesus, to your eternal salvation.” The whole shall be concluded with prayer, and the people dismissed with the usual blessing. 4. When an officer who has been deposed makes a public confession of his sin and answers the questions set forth in section 3 above, he may be reinstalled. In the restoration of a minister who has been suspended, and in the installation of an officer who has been deposed, the presbytery should proceed with considerable caution. It should first admit him to the sacraments, if he was barred from them, and afterwards should grant him the privilege of preaching for a time to test the sincerity of his repentance and the prospect of his usefulness, and, if satisfied, the presbytery shall restore and install him to his office. But he shall be on probation until the sentence of restoration be pronounced. 5. When a ruling elder or deacon has been absolved from the censure of deposition, he may not be allowed to resume the exercise of his office in the church without reelection by the congregation. 6. When a person under censure shall move to a place far from the court by which he was sentenced and shall desire to profess repentance and obtain restoration, it shall be lawful for the court to transmit a certified copy of its proceedings to the new court where he now resides, which shall take up the case and proceed to absolve him from the censure as though it had originated with itself. CHAPTER 18 THE OFFERINGS 1. Each believer in the local congregation shall be encouraged to make an honest offering from what has been given by God, for it is lawful for believers to help propagate the gospel to all nations as commanded by Christ, and to this end a time shall be set for the congregation to give. This should be done as an exercise of grace and as a solemn act of worship to the almighty God as enjoined in the Scriptures. 2. The minister and the session shall decide at which service and when to take up the offering. In order that the receiving of the offering may be an act of worship, the minister should either precede or follow it with a brief prayer invoking the blessing of God upon the offering and dedicating it to his service. 3. The offerings shall be used only for the work of various agencies of the church and for charity. The amount of the expenditure and the specific plans pertaining thereto may be determined as deemed appropriate, and in the event that a member of the church designates his or her gift to a particular cause, the donor's wish shall be respected. The offerings received and disbursed by the Sunday school and by other agencies shall be regularly reported to and approved by the session. No session shall collect or expense offerings for any cause unrelated to the interests of the World Korean Presbyterian Church without prior permission. 4. It is the duty of the minister to cultivate the grace of liberal giving in his church. Every member should give as he or she is able, regardless of the amount.

General Assembly Information Our Belief More >> President's Inaugural Address More >> General Assembly History More >> Past Presidents More >> General Assembly Office More >>