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CHURCH POLITY: WHAT DOES IT MATTER by Larry Stout  8/1/09

Citychurch has moved away from a traditional pastor-oriented form of church polity (structure) and toward one governed by plurality of leadership constituted of the elder board. As well as it has worked to this point, it is important to be prudent in making bold assertions about such matters. Many theologians adopt a three-fold scheme for the categorization of Christian truth concepts. Though some may use different terms, the categories could be termed “dogma,” “doctrine” and “belief.” The category "dogma" encompasses those tenets that make us Christian. "Dogma" consists of concepts that are absolutely nonnegotiable for the Christian faith. To deny a tenet within the "dogma" category would be to deny a tenet of orthodox Christianity. These would include such concepts as the Trinity and the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul would not hesitate to label one who did not hold to these tenets as anathema and an enemy of the faith. The second category, "doctrine," includes those concepts that shape our understanding of the nature and ministry of the church. Differences of understanding for concepts within this classification would not necessarily constitute a denial of the Christian faith, but differing perspectives on concepts within "doctrine" would determine differences in denominational identity, nature of ministry, and such. Historically these have included the sacraments of baptism and the nature of the Lord’s Supper, but have also included such rather trivial issues such as whether members should “pay” for their church pews. [Free Methodists got their identify from the fact that their pews were ‘free.’] The final category, "belief," encompasses those ideas that are important but can be matters of difference of opinion. Concepts within the "belief" category are matters on which Christians can "agree to disagree" without disruption or breach of fellowship. Differences of theological understanding for tenets within the "belief" grouping neither constitute a denial of the Christian faith nor separation into differing denominations or churches. Paul wrote about these in Romans 14, relating it to observance of religious days and dietary practices. Within a given church today, it is possible to find differing opinions on various eschatological concepts such as the sequence of events and the timing of the second coming of Christ, for example. This framework is worthwhile to consider when considering how we practice church life. It is important – but we should not consider it “dogma.” John Calvin held a high opinion of the church because he felt it was God’s primary vehicle for preaching of the Word, observing the Sacraments, and administering church discipline. If these matters are “doctrine” and not just “beliefs,” then it is certainly important to seek God’s will in church polity and be obedient to His leading in this area.