THE
BOOK OF
CHURCH ORDER
OF
THE ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Containing the Standards of
Government, Discipline, and Worship

Together with

Suggested Forms
for Use in Connection with
the Book of Discipline
and Particular Services

and

The Recommended Curriculum
for Ministerial Preparation

— 2000 edition —
Including all revisions effective on
January 1, 2000

The Committee on Christian Education
of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church

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© 2000 by The Orthodox Presbyterian Church

The Form of Government
First published 1937
Revised 1978, 1979, 1982, 1983,1984,
1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1995

The Book of Discipline
First published 1940
Revised 1983, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1995

The Directory for the Public Worship of God
First published 1939
Revised 1988, 1991

2000 Printing

Printed in USA

Issued by the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly

Published by and available from:
The Committee on Christian Education
of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church
607 N. Easton Road, Bldg. E
Box P
Willow Grove, PA 19090-0920
Phone 215/830-0900

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT

I.	Christ, the King and Head of the Church
II.	The Church
III.	The Nature and Exercise of Church Power
IV.	The Unity of the Church
V.	Offices in the Church
VI.	Ministers or Teaching Elders
VII.	Evangelists
VIII.	Pastors
IX.	Teachers
X.	Ruling Elders
XI.	Deacons
XII.	Governing Assemblies
XIII.	The Local Church and Its Session
XIV.	The Regional Church and Its Presbytery
XV.	The Whole Church and Its General Assembly
XVI.	Congregational Meetings
XVII.	Congregations without Pastors
XVIII.	Moderators
XIX.	Clerks
XX.	Ordination and Installation
XXI.	Licensing Candidates to Preach the Gospel
XXII.	Calling a Minister
XXIII.	Ordaining and Installing Ministers
XXIV.	Dissolving Ministerial Relationships
XXV.	Electing, Ordaining, and Installing Ruling Elders and Deacons
XXVI.	Divesting from Office
XXVII.	Missions
XXVIII.	Ministers Laboring outside the Church
XXIX.	Organizing and Receiving Congregations
XXX.	Organizations of Members of the Church
XXXI.	Incorporation and Corporations
XXXII.	The Constitution and Its Amendment

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THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE

I.	The Nature and Purposes of Discipline
II.	Jurisdiction
III.	Steps in the Institution of Judicial Process
IV.	The Trial of Judicial Cases
V.	Cases without Full Process
VI.	Censure and Restoration
VII.	Appeals
VIII.	Dissents and Protests
IX.	Complaints

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THE DIRECTORY FOR THE PUBLIC WORSHIP OF GOD

I.	The Sanctification of the Lord's Day
II.	The Principles of Public Worship
III.	The Usual Parts of Public Worship
IV.	The Celebration of the Sacraments
V.	Public Profession of Faith in Christ
VI.	Ordinations and Installations

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SUGGESTED FORMS FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH
THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE

I.	Charge and Specifications
II.	Citation of Accused
III.	Citation of Witness
IV.	Notice of Intention to Appeal (in Judicial Cases)
V.	Appeal (in Judicial Cases)
VI.	Complaint
VII.	Appeal (in Administrative Cases)

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SUGGESTED FORMS FOR PARTICULAR SERVICES

I.	The Marriage Service
II.	The Burial Service
III.	The Dedication of a Church

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THE RECOMMENDED CURRICULUM FOR MINISTERIAL
PREPARATION IN THE ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH