Revised March 15, 2001

Introduction

We recognize that the Lord Jesus Christ, Head of the Church, has placed us and our children in a community with a common vision, faith and hope. This community, which sees itself as just one part of the universal Church of Jesus Christ, we call it

THE REFORMED CHURCH OF QUEBEC (ERQ)

We acknowledge the supreme authority of the Holy Scriptures, to which we submit. Along with the universal Church, we accept ecumenical confessions of faith such as the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed. We also accept reformed confessions of faith such as the Confession of La Rochelle, the Belgic Confession and the Canons of Dort. We clarify that the Heidelberg Catechism and the Westminster Confession of Faith constitute the official expression of our beliefs, to which all officers (elders, ministers of the Word, deacons) must adhere. In submission to the rule of Scripture: “But all things should be done decently and in order.” (1 Co 14:40), we set out the following biblical principles for the Church and establish the following Church order and discipline:

THE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES OF THE REFORMED CHURCH OF QUEBEC LEADERSHIP

In the Bible, the Church of Jesus Christ is presented to us as the people of the Kingdom, which indicates at least three things: (1) a King, Jesus Christ, (2) his subjects, the believers and their children, and (3) laws, which are the Holy Scriptures. Reading the New Testament, we see that Jesus Christ has established a structure for His Church that is distinguished by a foundation (Mt 16:13-20), rules of order and discipline (Mt 18:15-20) and a general framework for making disciples, administering the sacraments and teaching (Mt 28:18-20). It’s clear that Jesus doesn’t want a Church without structure and direction, and although we don’t find much detail about this in the New Testament, we can nevertheless make out the broad guidelines:

Jesus Christ alone is the Head of the Church (a), and the Bible is the only infallible and definitive rule for the life of the Church (b).

(a) Eph 1:18-23; 5:23; Co 1:15-18.

(b) Is 8:19, 20; 2 Tm 3:16; 2 Pe 1:20, 21.

The Church of Jesus Christ is made up of all those who, with their children, are called by him and who respond to this call (c).

(c) Dt 4:9-14; Ac 2:38, 39; Heb 12:22-29.

III. Jesus Christ gathers his own at local (d) and regional (e) levels, and leads his Church at these levels through elders and ministers of the Word (f). The council of elders has the right to pronounce judgment in the name of the Church of Jesus Christ (g).

(d) Rm 16:5; 1 Co 16:19; 2 Co 12:13.

(e) Ac 8:1; 11.22-26; 13:1; Ga 1:13.

(f) Ac 14:23; 20:17-31; Eph 4:11-15; 1 Tm 3:1-7; Tt 1:5-9.

(g) Ac 15; 16:4; Mt 18:15-17.

The Church recognizes the deacon’s ministry as necessary (h).

(h) Ac 6:1-6; Rm 16:1, 2; Ph 1:1; 1 Tm 3:8-10.

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE REFORMED CHURCH OF QUEBEC

Preamble

The Church Order and Discipline of the Reformed Church of Quebec are worded to serve God more effectively in obedience to His will. Their wording is intended to ensure great freedom for the communities and their members, a freedom that rests on the acceptance of a common discipline. This wording is therefore subject to modification in the future if the situation within the Reformed Church of Quebec so requires, and as long as this is in accordance with the Holy Scriptures. Its purpose is to unite the members and leaders of the Reformed Church of Quebec, and to help them commit themselves faithfully to the vocation to which God has called them. Consequently, every member is called to take his place in the Reformed Church of Quebec and to discern with the Church where he must commit to the Body of Christ.

Chapter 1

THE CHURCH

1.1 The Church is the body of Jesus Christ (a), who is its supreme Head. This Church is made up of all the faithful, living and dead, who have been “born of water and the Spirit” according to the Word of God (b). It is a people of kings, priests and prophets (c). In space and time, the Church takes on a visible form (d).

(a) Rm 12:5; 1 Co 12:27; Eph 1:23; 5:30.

(b) Jn 3:5.

(c) Ex 19:5, 6; Jl 2:28, 29 (or 3:1, 2); Tt 2:14; 1 Pe 2:9.

(d) 1 Co 1:2; 1 Th 1:1; 2 Th 1:1; Re 1:4, 11.

1.2 This visible Church is an assembly where, according to the ordinance of Jesus Christ, the Word of God is faithfully proclaimed and heard, as well as taught and obeyed, where the sacraments of the Lord are legitimately administered and received, and where biblical discipline is maintained and respected. This visible Church shares the human condition. It must therefore constantly submit to the Word of God, so that it can reform and renew itself, and every member is called to be holy as the Lord is holy (e).

(e) 1 Pe 1:15, 16.

The Holy Spirit enables the Church to fulfill its vocation by giving it the necessary gifts for evangelization, proclamation, teaching, worship, praise, pastoral care, hospitality, helping the needy, etc. (f). All believers share in this universal priesthood (g).

(f) Rm 12:1-8; 1 Co 12; 1 Pe 4:9-11.

(g) Rm 12:1; Heb 12:28; 1 Pe 2:4-9; Re 1:6; 5:10.

1.4 To facilitate its mission, the visible Church is organized according to the needs of the place and time. The Reformed Church of Quebec, designating the regional Church, is a part of the visible Church that extends and limits itself to the mission field constituted by the French-speaking communities of North America. This regional Church is made up of mission parishes and established parishes, with elders.

1.5 Membership in the Reformed Church of Quebec is open to all Churches that share its biblical principles, and accept its confessions of faith and its Church order and discipline, regardless of historical, social, cultural or administrative differences.

1.6 In the event that a Church becomes a member of the Reformed Church of Quebec, the members of this Church must make a profession of faith, and those who have official offices in this Church must make a profession of faith and must sign their agreement with the confessions of faith and the order and discipline of the Reformed Church of Quebec.

Chapter 2

THE OFFICIAL OFFICES

2.1 To build up the Church and prepare it for its vocation, the Lord, through the apostles, instituted official offices, which differ in ministry, responsibility and authority (a). These functions are exercised at both the parish level and the regional Church level (b).

(a) Ac 6:2, 3; 14:23; 20:28; Eph 4:11-12; 1 Pe 5:1-4.

(b) Ac 6:2-4; 15:6, 7; Ph 1:1; 1 Tm 3:1-13; Tt 1:7.

2.2 THE OFFICE OF ELDER

2.2.1 The main role of elders is to guide the Church according to Scripture. To this end, the elders are part of the local council, which is responsible for preaching, administering the sacraments, teaching, presiding, managing, as well as pastoral care, discipline and education (c).

(c) Ac 20:28; 1 Tm 3:2-5; 5:17; Tt 1:7-9; Heb 13:17; 1 Pe 5:1-3.

2.2.2 The election of elders precedes their ordination and takes place in the parish that calls them. The voting percentage required for a man to be called as an elder by a parish must be at least 75% of the voting members of the parish. Elders are trained in the context of their parish, according to a program drawn up by the synod. At the time of their first appointment to a parish, after examination and approval by the synod, they are ordained in the presence of two delegates of the synod (d).

(d) Ac 14:23; 1 Tm 3:1; Tt 1:5-9; Heb 13:17; 1 Pe 5:2-4.

2.2.3 In order to release an elder who has reached retirement age, is ill, overworked or moving, the local council may grant appropriate leave.

2.2.4 The office of elder is assigned to male persons (e), who must prove their competence according to the biblical criteria as mentioned in Ac 20:28; 1 Tm 3:1-7; 2 Tm 3:17; Tt 1:5-9; Heb 13:17; 1 Pe 5:1-4.

(e) 1 Tm 2:12; 3:2; Tt 1:5-7.

2.2.5 Elders are accountable to the local council for their behaviour, doctrine and ministry. Any dispute must be settled at local council level, but if disagreement persists, the parties involved may appeal to the synod to settle the matter. If the elder’s own ministry is in question, the matter must be referred directly to the synod (f).

(f) Rm 12:3-5; 1 Co 12:12; Eph 5:21; Ph 2:3; 1 Tm 5:19; 1 Pe 5:5.

2.3 THE OFFICE OF MINISTER OF THE WORD

2.3.1 The foundation and mission of the Church involve the exercise of the particular ministry in which men devote themselves to the ministry of the Word and that of prayer (g).

(g) Ac 6:4; 13:1, 2; 1 Co 12:27, 28; Eph 2:20; 4.11.

2.3.2 The minister of the Word is ordained to preach the Word of God and administer the sacraments. He sits on the local council.

2.3.3 The exercise of the ministries of the Word and the administration of the sacraments requires spiritual, personal and professional training, which is the responsibility of the synod (h).

(h) Ac 20:20; 20:27; 2 Tm 2:1, 2; 2:24-26.

2.3.4 The election of ministers of the Word precedes their ordination and takes place in the established parish or mission parish which calls them. The voting percentage required for a man to be called as a minister of the Word by a parish must be at least 75% of the voting members of the parish. At the time of their first appointment to an established parish or mission parish, after examination and approval by the synod, they are ordained in the presence of two delegates of the synod (i).

(i) Ac 13:1-3; 1 Tm 3:1; 4:14; 5:22; 2 Tm 1:6.

2.3.5 In order to release a minister of the Word who has reached retirement age, is ill or overworked, the local council and synod may grant him appropriate leave of absence.

2.3.6 The office of minister of the Word is assigned to male persons (j), who must demonstrate their competence according to the biblical criteria mentioned in Eph 4:11-12; 2 Tm 3:17; Tt 1:5-9; Heb 13:17; 1 Pe 5:1-4.

(j) 1 Tm 2:12; 3:2; Tt 1:5-7.

2.3.7 Ministers of the Word are accountable to the local council for their behaviour, doctrine and ministry when serving an established parish. They are directly accountable to the synod when serving a mission parish. In principle, any dispute must be settled at local council level, but if disagreement persists, the parties involved may appeal to the synod to settle the matter. If the very ministry of the minister of the Word is in question, the matter must be referred directly to the synod (k).

(k) Rm 12:3-5; 1 Co 12:12; Eph 5:21; Ph 2:3; 1 Tm 5:19; 1 Pe 5:5.

2.3.8 When a minister of the Word is without a local pastoral call, he retains the status of member of the pastoral corps of the Reformed Church of Quebec, and his name must be entered on a list of pastors eligible for a call. This means he doesn’t have to retake any exams; he is a recognized candidate available for a call. He is accountable to the synod for his behaviour, doctrine and ministry.

2.3.9 A candidate for the pastorate must be examined and approved by the synod before receiving authorization to preach in our parishes, as he continues and completes his pastoral training.

2.4 THE OFFICE OF DEACON

2.4.1 The main role of deacons is to serve the Church and the world in the name of the Lord according to Scripture (l). To this end, the board of deacons is to exercise the ministries of helping members in need, distributing gifts in money or kind, and training members regarding material goods. Through the exercise of their ministry, Christ’s love becomes visible and real, especially to the needy and to those who suffer materially, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Deacons serve the Church by their commitment and example. They are a model that stimulates every member to commit themselves faithfully to their particular service. They must demonstrate wisdom, dedication and discretion.

(l) Ac 6:2, 3; Rm 12:7; 16:1, 2.

2.4.2 The election of deacons precedes their ordination and takes place in the parish that calls them (m). At the time of their first appointment to a parish, after examination and approval by the local council, they are ordained in the presence of two delegates from the synod.

(m) Ac 6:1-6; 1 Tm 3:10.

2.4.3 The parish may call to the office of deacon any professing member who demonstrates competence according to the biblical criteria as mentioned in Ac 6:3; Rm 16:1, 2 and 1 Tm 3:8-13.

2.4.4 Deacons are accountable to the local council for their behaviour, doctrine and ministry. Any dispute must be settled at local council level, but if disagreement persists, the parties involved may appeal to the synod to settle the matter. If the deacon’s own ministry is in question, the matter must be referred directly to the synod (n).

(n) Rm 12:3-5; 1 Co 12:12; Eph 5:21; Ph 2:3; 1 Pe 5:5.

2.4.5 The council of deacons will be composed according to the needs of the parish (o).

(o) Ac 6:1-5.

2.4.6 Deacons, according to their call and availability, may participate in the work of synod committees.

Chapter 3

THE MINISTRIES OF THE WORD

3.1 The ministries of the Word are the historical ministries of apostle and prophet, and the present-day ministries of evangelist and pastor.

3.2 THE EVANGELIST (a)

(a) Ac 21:8; Eph 4:11; 1 Tm 4:6; 2 Tm 1:13, 14; 2:15; 4:1ff.

3.2.1 The ministry of evangelist is similar to that of apostle in terms of Church planting. The synod must commit to providing him adequate training.

3.2.2 The evangelist is a minister of the Word in the mission parish that called him. The spiritual supervision of his ministry is entrusted to the synod, which will appoint a provisional local council for this purpose.

3.2.3 His main task is to form and organize new parishes. Consequently, he must be able to evangelize to win non-believers to Jesus Christ, preach and teach the Word, preside over public worship, administer the sacraments, give basic training to youth and adults, exercise discipline and manage the affairs of the fledgling parish.

3.2.4 The election of evangelists precedes their ordination and takes place in the mission parish that calls them. At the time of their first appointment to a mission parish, after examination and approval by the synod, they are ordained in the presence of two delegates of the synod.

3.3 THE PASTOR (b)

(b) Jr 3:15; 23:4; Ac 20:28; Eph 4:11; Heb 13:17.

3.3.1 The pastor’s ministry consists primarily in building up the established parish.

3.3.2 The pastor acts as a minister of the Word in collaboration with the elders. The spiritual supervision of his ministry and his compensation are the responsibility of the local council, in agreement with the synod. The synod is responsible for his training.

3.3.3 In particular, his task is to ensure preaching and teaching of the Word, public worship, administration of the sacraments and pastoral care.

3.3.4 The election of pastors precedes their ordination and takes place in the established parish that calls them. At the time of their first appointment to a parish, after examination and approval by the synod, they are ordained in the presence of two delegates of the synod.

Chapter 4

THE CHURCH COUNCILS

4.1 The councils of the Church are the local councils and the synod (a).

(a) Ac 14:23; 15:6, 22; 20:17ff.

4.2 THE LOCAL COUNCIL (b)

(b) Dt 6; Ps 78:1-4; Mt 16:18; 18:15-18; Ac 14:23; 20:28; 1 Tm 4:6, 7; 5:17; 2 Tm 2:2; 1 Pe 5:1-5.

4.2.1 The local council consists of all the elders and ministers of the Word of the established parish. It meets periodically to deal with the affairs of the parish.

4.2.2 It must normally be composed of at least two elders and the pastor. However, a minimum of two elders or one elder and one pastor may be accepted in cases deemed exceptional by the synod.

4.2.3 It is responsible for public worship, in agreement with the synod. It must encourage evangelism, teaching, prayer and fellowship.

4.2.4 Catechetical instruction of young people and adults is the responsibility of the local council. It must conform to the teaching of Scripture, as worded in the confessions of Faith of the Reformed Church of Quebec.

4.2.5 Pastoral care is the ministry of the whole Church. However, pastoral visits must be part of the task of elders and ministers of the Word under the direction of the local council. The purpose of these visits is to watch over the spiritual life of the members and especially their faith and conduct, to foster relationships between members and to maintain unity and fellowship in the Church.

4.2.6 The local council must ensure the continuing education of the pastor, elders, deacons and other leaders, and help them to lead irreproachable lives and keep pure doctrine.

4.2.7 The parish is the sole owner of its movable and immovable property.

4.2.8 The local council must convene a general meeting of members at least once a year to consider the affairs of the parish (5.6).

4.2.9 The local council may allow a member to attend a council meeting. Local council meetings are normally held in camera.

4.2.10 Each member has the right to be heard by the local council.

4.3 THE SYNOD (c)

(c) Ac 13:2, 3; 1 Tm 3:10; 5:19, 22.

4.3.1 The synod is a regional assembly of elders and ministers of the Word delegated by established and mission parishes. The local council must delegate its pastor and one elder, or two elders in the event of the pastor’s absence or incapacity. The mission parish is represented by its evangelist.

4.3.2 The synod shall meet periodically to deal with the affairs of the Reformed Church of Quebec and with questions raised by one of the local councils. In both cases, each question must be communicated to all local councils before being debated by the synod.

4.3.3 Any modification to the confession of faith of the Reformed Church of Quebec must be accepted by all delegates of member parishes. Any modification to the Church Order and Discipline document of the Reformed Church of Quebec must be accepted by two-thirds of the delegates of the member parishes. For all other current business, a majority of delegates present at a synod meeting is required.

4.3.4 The synod must ensure that its decisions are effectively implemented by the congregations with respect to the Church doctrine, mission, worship, order and ecclesiastical discipline.

4.3.5 Each year, local councils must report to the synod on the progress of their mission and on the community life of the parish.

4.3.6 The synod is responsible for the training of pastors, evangelists and elders.

4.3.7 It supervises the ordination of pastors, evangelists and elders, and is represented at the ordination of deacons (d).

(d) Ac 13:2, 3; 1 Tm 3:10; 5:1, 19, 22.

4.3.8 The quorum of the synod is 75% of the delegates.

Chapter 5

THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH

Gn 17:7; 28:14; Dt 6; Ps 78:1-8; Ac 2:39; 6:5; 11:14; 15:4, 22; 16:15, 33; 19:1-7; 21:5; Rm 12:4, 5; 16:1-23; 1 Co 1:10-17; 3:16; 10:23-31; 16:13-20; 2 Co 8-9; Ga 3:13, 14, 29; 5:13-6:10; Eph 3; 4:17-6:20; Ph 2:12-18; Co 3:1-17; 1 Tm; 2 Tm; Tt; 1 Pe 4:7-11.

5.1 Professing members are believers in Christ, who have received baptism, who have publicly professed their faith before the elders and ministers of the Word and before the Church, and who are therefore fully accepted into the Church community. Children of professing members receive baptism because they share God’s covenant. They are considered non-professing members of the Church.

5.2 To prepare children to enter the full communion of the Church by professing their faith, the local council must ensure that they receive adequate biblical and doctrinal instruction, and must provide for all their spiritual needs.

5.3 If non-professing members decide not to publicly profess their faith and not to enter into the full communion of the Church, the local council must strike their names from the list of Church members.

5.4 Professing members of the Church submit to the spiritual authority of the elders and ministers of the Word. They contribute to the well-being of the Church by giving their time and money, and by exercising their talents. They faithfully attend Church assemblies and participate regularly in the Lord’s Supper. They live holy lives, bear witness to God’s grace, and bring up their children to love and respect the Lord. They instruct themselves in the Word of God and participate in the Church’s mission to win others to Christ and to further the Lord’s kingdom. They appoint their elders, ministers of the Word and deacons.

5.5 At least once a year, the local council must call a general meeting of the members to discuss and settle the affairs of the parish. The annual budget must be determined at this meeting. If the local council asks the members to vote, it does not have the right to cancel the result of the vote.

5.6 The general meeting of the parish must be announced three weeks before the date set and at least twice. The general meeting must be chaired by an elder or a minister of the Word, appointed by the local council. The decisions of the general assembly must be recorded in the minutes of the next local council meeting.

Chapter 6

THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE AND THE CENSURE OF THE CHURCH

Mt 16.:8; 18:15-18; Lk 19:10; Rm 12:9, 10; 15:5-7; 16:17,18; 1 Co 5; 12:12-27; 2 Co 2:5-11; Ga 6:1-5; Eph 4:2, 25, 26, 32; 5:2; 1 Tm 5:1-2; Tt 1:9, 13; 2:15; 3:8, 10, 11; Heb 13:17; Jm 5:16, 19 ,20.

6.1 THE CHURCH CENSURE OF MEMBERS

6.1.1 All the members of the Church are the body of Christ and each of them is a part of that body. If one part of the body suffers, all the others suffer with it. The health and well-being of the body and its members is therefore the responsibility of both the body and the members.

6.1.2 The members of the Church have been baptized into one body by God’s Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit teaches the members of the body and leads them to love one another, to help one another and to bear one another’s burdens, thus obeying the law of Christ.

6.1.3 The purpose of all spiritual discipline in the Church is to preserve and strengthen unity and discipline, and to foster life in obedience to God’s law. Each member of the Church is called to live according to this spiritual discipline and to help others to do so, so that harmony is maintained in God’s family according to His Word.

6.1.4 This discipline may intervene in the form of Church censure when the spiritual life of a member and the unity of the Church are threatened, when the truth of the God’s Word is attacked, and thus God’s honor is harmed.

6.1.5 According to the Word of God, there are three stages in Church censure, i.e. mutual censure, official censure and excommunication from the Church of God.

6.1.6 Mutual censorship comprises two stages: individual censure and common censure.

6.1.7 Individual censure takes place between two members of the Church, according to the rule of Matthew 18:15, and remains between the two only. Each member of the Church is responsible for this censure, which is motivated by the Lord’s love.

6.1.8 Common censure takes place according to the rule of Matthew 18:16. Each member of the Church must accept the responsibility of participating in this procedure at the request of a member.

6.1.9 Official censure is the responsibility of the local council which, in this function, is the representative of the Church, according to the rule of Matthew 18:17. The local council can only commit itself after having verified that mutual censure has duly taken place, and after having made a serious investigation in a spirit of love for the individual in question and in a spirit of concern for the unity of the Church and for the honor of God. The aim of such censure is always the repentance and spiritual healing of the member.

6.1.10 The official censure is exercised in two ways. These are the repeated warnings from the local council and the suspension of the right to partake in the Lord’s Supper.

6.1.11 Excommunication is the final stage of Church censure, according to the rule of Matthew 18:17. The local council can only start the excommunication procedure after having warned the members of the parish, so that it can contribute to the member’s repentance and spiritual healing by praying assiduously with love.

6.1.12 The local council is fully responsible for the excommunication of a member of the Church. When a parish has no local council, the evangelist must submit the case of excommunication to the synod of the regional Church; this synod then delegates a provisional council to deal with the case.

6.1.13 In the event that no contact between the Church and the member is possible, the local council has the right to continue the procedure, but must notify the member in question by registered letter of the decisions taken before completing the procedure. If the letter is not accepted, the local board may complete the procedure, but must keep the letter as proof that it has done its best to warn the member.

6.1.14 Any member of the Church who suffers Church censure has the right to appeal to the next synod assembly or to a subsequent assembly. In the event of rejection by the synod, a further appeal may only be made after a period of one year. The parish is responsible for notifying the member of his right of appeal.

6.1.15 When a member is excommunicated, the local council must notify the other voting delegates of the synod in writing, specifying the member’s name and the date on which the excommunication takes effect.

6.2 CHURCH CENSURE OF ELDERS AND MINISTERS OF THE WORD

6.2.1 Spiritual discipline applies to elders and ministers of the Word as it does to members of the Church.

6.2.2 If a local council or any member of the local council finds that there is reason to initiate a procedure for the censure of an elder or minister of the Word, it must immediately notify the synod so that the synod may initiate the necessary procedures for the examination of the case.

6.2.3 In the case of a conflict of doctrine, the procedure for disciplining an elder or a minister of the Word must take place directly at the level of the synod at the request of the local council.

6.2.4 The local council must announce the suspension of an elder or minister of the Word in the assembly of the first Sunday following the synod meeting at which the suspension decision is made. This announcement must indicate that the case in question has been submitted to the Church synod.

6.2.5 A maximum of three weeks may elapse between the local council’s request and the synod’s intervention.

6.2.6 Censure proceedings by the synod must end with the person in question being reinstated or removed from office. Upon the deposition of an elder or minister of the Word, the local council must resume the censure procedure as it does for members.

6.2.7 In a case of discipline of an elder or minister of the Word, the presence of all the elders and ministers of the Word of the synod is required. All decisions of this special assembly must have the support of at least 75% of the voting delegates.

6.2.8 If the censure applies to an official paid by the Church, he will receive his salary until the moment of dismissal, or for a longer period, if the synod so decides.