17. Before the Book (Witherow's Statement of the Question)
Jan 2, 2024
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Delve into the nuances of church governance as hosts explore the essential and non-essential doctrines in Christianity. A ship metaphor illustrates how all teachings, big and small, uphold the faith. Discover the importance of scriptural foundations in various governance models, from prelacy to presbytery. The conversation emphasizes how proper governance can shape spiritual maturity and ensure the church's vitality for future generations, setting the stage for deeper engagement with The Apostolic Church's principles.
32:59
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Quick takeaways
The hosts emphasize the significance of church government structures, highlighting the need for them to align with biblical teachings rather than personal preferences.
Witherow's critical examination challenges the common belief that non-essentials in scripture can be disregarded, underscoring their vital role in church life.
Deep dives
Exploring Recent Readings
The hosts share their recent reading experiences, primarily focusing on theological texts as well as children's books. One host mentions rereading 'Confessing the Faith' by Van Dixhorn, highlighting its timeless relevance and clarity. Another shares insights gained from 'Grace and Glory' by Vos, reflecting on early 20th-century Princeton and the emergence of liberalism. Lastly, 'The Lord of Psalm 23' by David Gibson is praised for its fresh perspective on Psalm 23, offering encouragement during challenging times.
Church Polity: A Deeper Exploration
The discussion introduces the new series focused on church polity, emphasizing that the existing Book of Church Order (BCO) is just one aspect of a larger historical context rooted in scripture. The hosts express their intention to delve into the origins of Presbyterian polity by examining Thomas Witherow's 'The Apostolic Church.' By doing so, they aim to uncover apostolic principles of church government and evaluate current church structures against these principles. They encourage listeners to engage with Witherow's work as they explore this deeper understanding of church governance.
Essentials Versus Non-Essentials
Witherow poses critical questions about the importance of church government, challenging the view that non-essentials are unimportant. The hosts discuss the common misperception that non-essentials can be disregarded, noting that many crucial scriptural teachings do not directly pertain to salvation but still hold significant value for church life. They illustrate this with the analogy of a ship, where even non-essential components, like screws and bolts, are vital for its integrity. The discussion emphasizes the need for Christians to recognize the importance of all biblical truths, including those that may seem non-essential.
Understanding Church Government Types
The hosts outline the three main forms of church government identified by Witherow: prelacy (or episcopacy), independency (congregationalism), and presbytery (or Presbyterian governance). Each form is discussed in terms of its structure and how it relates to scriptural principles. The conversation highlights that church government is not merely a matter of personal preference but should align with biblical teachings. This critical examination urges listeners to consider how their church's government reflects the governance model prescribed in scripture and why it matters for their community of faith.
Welcome to Polity Matters: Before the Book. In this new series we will be reading and discussing The Apostolic Church by Thomas Witherow. Today we delve into chapter 1: The Statement of the Question.