22 Sep GS 1980 art 146

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GS 1980 ARTICLE 146 – Book of Praise (Liturgical Forms) – Form for the Ordination of Elders and Deacons

A. Material – 

Agenda VIII, B, 8, 9, 27, 28.

B. Observations

  • 1. In accordance with the mandate given by Synod Coaldale (Acts, Article 60, Recommendation 4) the Committee has served Synod with a Revised Form for the Ordination of Elders and Deacons.
  • 2. The Church at Brampton requests that the words, “e.g. by making periodic visits to the Church members” be added to the charge given to the deacons. This is to be added to the sentence, “Exhort the members of Christ’s body to show mercy, e.g  etc.”
  • The reason adduced for this is that our deacons tend to be “some­ what passive” in not actively seeking to find needs and are not actively exhorting the members to show mercy.”
  • 3. The Church at Burlington-East proposes that Synod “insert in the Revised Form for the Ordination of Elders and Deacons the quotation of Galatians 6:10 as it is in the Form that is presently in use.” The reason for this re­ quest is that 1 Thessalonians 3:12 is quoted in full, but this “does not expressly mention the task of the deacons. The present Form “shows that the task of the Church by means of the deacons is said to be showing liberality to all men, but especially to the household of faith.” Burlington­ East wishes this charge not to be hidden in the marginal references but mentioned expressis verbis in the Form.
  • 4. The Revised Form presented to Synod is clearly a major revision, notably in the following manner:
    • a) the “redemptive-historical” set-up of the Form,
    • b) the greater attention given to the office of the deacons.
  • 5. In the charge to the deacons the “widows and orphans” are no longer expressly mentioned.

C. Considerations

  • 1. Although Synod Coaldale did not specify a major revision of this Form, as now presented to Synod, this revision is based on solid Scriptural grounds and does greater justice to the special offices throughout the Old and New dispensation. Especially the office of the deacons finds better expression in relation to the office of the elders (Observations 1 and 4).
  • 2. It is not necessary to specify that deacons “for example” may engage in (regular) visitation, for the Revised Form already speaks of “they (the deacons) shall acquaint themselves with existing needs and difficul­ties  ” and it should be left up to the discretion of the deacons which method is the most advantageous in this respect.
  • 3. It is important to add Galatians 6:10 which has always been an important reference with respect to the work of the deacons, and it is important also to specify “widows and orphans” since it was because of the care of the widows that this office was first established in the Church, Acts 6.
  • This is rendered as follows, ” … and distribute them cheerfully to those who need assistance, especially the widows and orphans (James 1:27, margin). Show liberality to all men, especially to those who are ol the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10, margin).
  • 4. Delete two paragraphs on page 1 as being irrelevant.

D. Recommendation

Synod decide to adopt the Form for the Ordination of Elders and Deacons, as emended by Synod.

ADOPTED

The following motion, duly seconded, is moved:

  • “To change ‘I do’ to ‘I do with all my heart.'”

DEFEATED

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