Why is polity so important?

Polity: Definition and Importance Polity in the Church Mechanics

Why is polity so important?

Polity is… the established system of governance for an organization.

Polity is… the way we take care of business.

Polity is… necessary for organizations to remain organized.

Polity flows out of practicality.

F.O.G 2.1 “In order that the Church shall fulfill its calling as given by God, it is necessary that its ministry be directed in an orderly manner. Government rooted in and defined by Scriptural example and instruction is the means of accomplishing such necessary direction and order. Leadership and authority, both of which are necessary to government, are defined for the ARPC by this Form of Government.

I Corinthians 14:40 “But all things should be done decently and in order.”

Colossians 2:5 “ For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.”

F.O.G 2.2 “While the Scriptures do not teach a detailed form of Church government, the Presbyterian form as adopted by the ARPC is agreeable to and founded upon the Old and New Testaments. The Presbyterian form of Church government is government by presbyters (elders) assembled in Church courts.”

Presbyterian Polity, when properly executed, ensures the equality of representatives and the right of all presbyters to take part in the governance and decision making process of the Church.

Polity in the Church

What should Polity look like?

What should Presbyterianism look like?

Presbyterianism is a representative based form of government.

Connectional Church: All churches within the ARP are connected to one another and representatives from each take part in the governance of the denomination.

Presbytery: “The court of the ARPC next higher than the Session is the Presbytery, which has the oversight of a group of congregations within a specific geographical area as determined by the General Synod.” F.O.G. 10.1

General Synod: “The General Synod is the highest court of the ARPC and represents all of its Presbyteries. It bears the title of the General Synod of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and constitutes the bond of union, peace, and correspondence among all of its congregations and courts.” F.O.G. 12.1

What should Polity look like?

Polity is the mechanism that ensures equal representation within the Church.

Each congregation’s elected elder representative, and each member of presbytery that attend the General Synod have equal voice and vote.

The Mechanics of Polity

Presbyter: A member of the court.

3 Courts of the ARPC: Session Presbytery General Synod

The Session… is made up of representatives nominated and elected by the local congregation.

The Presbytery… is made up of elder representatives from each church within the geographical boundaries of the presbytery AND ordained pastors who are members of that presbytery.

The General Synod… is made up of elder representatives from every church in the denomination and every member of every presbytery within the denomination.

The business of the Church is carried out in its courts.

Mechanism of Polity: To do business decently and in order To ensure equal voice and vote for all presbyters

Motion: a formal proposal by a member of a deliberative assembly that the assembly take certain action

Calling for the Question: Is a vote to stop discussion and proceed immediately (without debate) to voting on the motion being discussed. 2/3 Majority is needed to pass.

Calling for the Question: Motion—Second—Discussion--Call for the Question—Vote on calling the question—Vote on original motion.

Tricky Business: Motion for Sundrop Only> Second> Discussion> Motion to Amend for Mt. Dew etc > Second> Discussion> Call for the Question> Second

Tricky Business: Motion for Sundrop Only> Second> Discussion> Motion to Amend for Mt. Dew etc > Second> Discussion> Call for the Question> Second> Vote on calling question> immediately vote on amendment to the motion

Tricky Business: Motion for Sundrop Only> Second> Discussion> Motion to Amend for Mt. Dew etc > Second> Discussion> Call for the Question> Second> Vote on calling question> immediately vote on amendment to the motion, discussion of motion as amended, call for the question, second, vote on calling the question….

Tricky Business: Motion for Sundrop Only> Second> Discussion> Motion to Amend for Mt. Dew etc > Second> Discussion> Call for the Question> Second> Vote on calling question> immediately vote on amendment to the motion> Discuss motion as amended> call for the question> second> vote on calling the question> vote on motion as amended.

PAY CLOSE ATTENTION and follow the motion trail.

Decorum: No overlapping motions Speak either for or against motions Address only the Moderator Everyone is “Mr.” No Personal Attacks/Judgements Do not disturb the assembly Request points of personal privilege Make separate motions as you desire but write them out and never during debate on another motion Remember that you are all equal. There is no hierarchy and there are no bishops.