Book
of Order Review:
Edited
by Yung Suk Kim (Home)
Purpose: To review the second of the preliminary
principles of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Material: copy of Book of Order G-1.0100 and 1.0200
Intro: The preliminary principles of the Presbyterian Church are contained in the
first four chapters of the Form of Government in the Book of Order.
The rest of the Book of Order can be said to be a commentary
on these first four chapters.
Consider: If you were to describe to someone the main reasons for the church’s existence,
what would they be? Take time to list them on a piece of paper. If in
a group, share your list with another person.
Read: Read G-1.0200 in the Book of Order. Read it a second time and, if
you have a copy you can write in, underline words or phrases that have
meaning for you. Otherwise, write words on a separate piece of paper.
Reflect: If you are studying in a group or with another person, discuss the words
that you noted and why they were noteworthy. If alone, review the words
that you noted and consider their significance.
Consider: Compare the six Great Ends of the Church to the list that you came up with
earlier. What items are in common on the two lists? What items are on
one list but not on the other? How would you write each of the Great
Ends in your own language? |
Group worksheet In your own congregation,
how is each of the Great Ends of the Church lived out? In the first column,
brainstorm and write down all of the ways that each Great End is being
fulfilled in the congregation: |
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3 |
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4 |
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5 |
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6 |
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1.
the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind
2.
the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God
3.
the maintenance of divine worship
4.
the preservation of the truth
5.
the promotion of social righteousness
6.
the exhibition of the
Next, in the second column write down your own ideas and hopes for how each
Great End might be accomplished in new ways in your congregation. Share your brainstorming
and your ideas with another member. *Finally, the most important thing is to share each group’s report with all others: what were the main issues and concerns that arose in a group discussion and and what were some ideas to improve certain matters in view of the great ends of the church. Close with debriefing and prayers. Encourage each other, saying that “you are important and we need each other.” |