Glenn Ferrell
Puritan Board Junior
Andrew: You are setting a Regulative Principle standard for this provision in the FG, when it would seem more a matter of "circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the church, common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the light of nature, and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed."
There are indeed times when it becomes apparent that an individual does not possess the gifts necessary for his office- maturity, discernment, temperament, leadership, graciousness, his ability to relate to others, etc. Though it is not an easy matter to resolve, this provision in the FG is helpful; and though not without the possibility of error, provides certain protections.
The potential problem here is that in any session or congregational meeting where the edifying giftedness of the individual in question, or lack thereof, is being discussed, there may be a tendency to introduce anecdotal examples that might tend more toward accusations of sin, without the provisions for the officer's defense, and the likelihood of his being slandered. Such a meeting requires careful moderation to insure that the discussion does not degenerate to such.
There are indeed times when it becomes apparent that an individual does not possess the gifts necessary for his office- maturity, discernment, temperament, leadership, graciousness, his ability to relate to others, etc. Though it is not an easy matter to resolve, this provision in the FG is helpful; and though not without the possibility of error, provides certain protections.
The potential problem here is that in any session or congregational meeting where the edifying giftedness of the individual in question, or lack thereof, is being discussed, there may be a tendency to introduce anecdotal examples that might tend more toward accusations of sin, without the provisions for the officer's defense, and the likelihood of his being slandered. Such a meeting requires careful moderation to insure that the discussion does not degenerate to such.