Judicial Committee
The purpose of the Judicial Committee is to tend to all matters regarding disciplinary cases in accordance to procedures outlined in the EPC Book of Discipline.
Church Discipline
Discipline is the exercise of authority given the church by the Lord Jesus Christ to instruct and guide its members and their children and to promote its purity and welfare. The term has two senses: the one referring to the whole government, inspection, training, guardianship and control which the church maintains with respect to its members, its officers, and its courts; the other a restricted and technical sense, signifying ecclesiastical judicial procedures.
The Judicial Committee deals with disciplinary matters which have become ecclesiastical judicial procedures.
The exercise of discipline is highly important and necessary. The purpose of discipline is to maintain the honor of God, to restore the sinner, and to remove offense from the church.
Scriptural law is the basis of all ecclesiastical discipline because it is the revelation of God’s holy will. Proper disciplinary principles are set forth in the Scriptures and must be followed.
· According to Matthew 18:15 and Galatians 6:1, these principles include instruction in the Word and the individuals’ responsibility to admonish one another.
· If the initial admonition is rejected, then one or more witnesses must be called (Matthew 18:16).
· If rejection persists, then the church must act through her courts in proper order for the exercise of discipline.
Presently the Committee consists of:
Chair Rev. Rus Howard, Hudson Presbyterian Church, Hudson, OH
Even though it is our fervent prayer that we will not have any work, we need additional members. We need experienced, wise, and loving Ruling Elders and Teaching Elders who understand the restorative goal of Church Discipline and the importance of Church Discipline. Email Rus Howard if you are interested in serving.
You can contact the Committee at:
Rus Howard
Hudson Presbyterian Church
201 W. Streetsboro Road
Hudson, OH 44236
Church: 330 650 1626
Cell: 330-671 3805
Submitted by Rev. Rus Howard on 5/7/09
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