The Book of Confessions - The Presbyterian Leader

But in order that the minister may perform all these things better and more easily, it is
especially required of him that he fear God, be constant in prayer, attend to spiritual reading, and
in all things and at all times be watchful, and by a purity of life to let his light to shine before all
men.
DISCIPLE. And since discipline is an absolute necessity in the Church and
excommunication was once used in the time of the early fathers, and there were ecclesiastical
judgments among the people of God, wherein this discipline was exercised by wise and godly
men, it also falls to ministers to regulate this discipline for edification, according to the
circumstances of the time, public state, and necessity. At all times and in all places the rule is to
be observed that everything is to be done for edification, decently and honorably, without
oppression and strife. For the apostle testifies that authority in the Church was given to him by
the Lord for building up and not for destroying (II Cor. 10:8). And the Lord himself forbade the
weeds to be plucked up in the Lord's field, because there would be danger lest the wheat also be
plucked up with it (Matt. 13:29 f.).
EVEN EVIL MINISTERS ARE TO BE HEARD. Moreover, we strongly detest the
error of the Donatists who esteem the doctrine and administration of the sacraments to be either
effectual or not effectual, according to the good or evil life of the ministers. For we know that the
voice of Christ is to be heard, though it be out of the mouths of evil ministers; because the Lord
himself said: "Practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do" (Matt. 23:3).
We know that the sacraments are sanctified by the institution and the word of Christ, and that
they are effectual to the godly, although they be administered by unworthy ministers. Concerning
this matter, Augustine, the blessed servant of God, many times argued from the Scriptures against
the Donatists.
SYNODS. Nevertheless, there ought to be proper discipline among ministers. In synods
the doctrine and life of ministers is to be carefully examined. Offenders who can be cured are to
be rebuked by the elders and restored to the right way, and if they are incurable, they are to be
deposed, and like wolves driven away from the flock of the Lord by the true shepherds. For, if
they be false teachers, they are not to be tolerated at all. Neither do we disapprove of ecumenical
councils, if they are convened according to the example of the apostles, for the welfare of the
Church and not for its destruction.
THE WORKER IS WORTHY OF HIS REWARD. All faithful ministers, as good
workmen, are also worthy of their reward, and do not sin when they receive a stipend, and all
things that be necessary for themselves and their family. For the apostle shows in I Cor., ch. 9,
and in I Tim., ch. 5, and elsewhere that these things may rightly be given by the Church and
received by ministers. The Anabaptists, who condemn and defame ministers who live from their
ministry are also refuted by the apostolic teaching.
CHAPTER XIX - Of the Sacraments of the Church of Christ
Copyright © 1996 by the Office of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (USA)