If I recall correctly, you at one time or another referred to yourself as a "presbygationalist". I am curious about what aspects of of presbyterianism/congregationalism you would include/exclude. Or, how would you define "presbygationalist"? As this probably has a detailed answer, just the main points will suffice.
Hi John,
I could probably answer your question about my "Presbygationalism" in this manner. On the negative side, I find no biblical warrant for an ecclesiastical court hierarchy which one finds in both classic Presbyterian and Continental Reformed denominations. Contrariwise, I do find a close association between individual congregations who are of like mind in both doctrine and life and in the sharing of resources for ministry to further the kingdom of God, e.g., missionary work, mutual counsel, etc.
On the positive side, I believe that Scripture teaches that each congregation is to be taught and ruled by a plurality of elders and that there is to be men who serve as deacons. Further, I do not see a 3-fold distinction for these two offices where some have effectively bifurcated the Eldership into two offices (Kingly and Prophetic) whereby there are teaching elders and ruling elders. I believe Scripture clearly teaches that there is but one office of Elder within which certain men are gifted
more than others to preach. But ALL are to be able to teach and ALL have equal authority both over the congregation and among themselves.
This effects the Congregational system, of course, in that the responsibility and rule of the congregation rests with the Elders and not the members of the congregation, e.g., in the final appointment (ordination) of elders and deacons, doctrine, discipline, etc.
Does this give you the information you were wanting to know?
In His grace,
