Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1997 - Rparchives.org

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92 MINUTES OF THE 1997 SYNOD OF THE asked that their dissent be recorded against the passing of item 1 of the above report. The report of the Committee to Revise the Directory for Worship was taken up again. The report as a whole was approved and is as follows: REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO REVISE THE DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP In response to a paper from the Ohio-Illinois Presbytery, the 1990 Synod instructed your Committee to revise the Directory for Worship. The thrust of the paper as well as the discussion on the floor of Synod pointed us in the direction of using the present directory as a basis for making current application of the Biblical principles of worship. The Committee presented a proposed revision to the Synod of 1991. Both in correspondence and in discussion on the floor of Synod, there was concurrence that we should not merely update the wording of the document, but also incorporate a tone which would more positively express the reverence and joy and thanksgiving of our approach as we respond to God's gracious call to worship. The Synod approved this approach, and the Committee was asked to bring in another revision of the Directory. We were also asked to include an explanation of what constitutes worship and non-worship situations or activities in the use of the Psalms; since decisions of the 1972 Synod relate to these distinctions,it was recommended that we incorporate material which was approved by that Synod. Subsequent revisions were brought to both the 1993 and 1994 Synods. There was opportunity for discussion at the 1993 Synod and for recommendations to the Committee. In 1994, press of other business left no time for discussion of the Revision which was brought to that Synod. With a few minor changes, the same Revision was presented to the 1995 Synod along with a proposed replacement for the entire Directory submitted to the Committee by Gordon Keddie. The Committee recommended discussion of the merits of both documents prior to a decision as to which document should be used as the model for the Committee's proposed Revision to be presented to the Synod of 1997. The Synod voted to use the replacement document as the model for the new Directory for Worship. Both documents were printed in the Appendix of the 1995 Minutes of Synod. Sessions and members of Synod were asked to study both documents and to send proposed changes to the Committee by October 1, 1996. (1995 Minutes, p. 136) Only two men sent suggested changes to the Committee. The Committee held anall day meeting in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, February 11, 1997. Chapters of the proposed replacement document were assigned to subcommittees to bring in recommendations for possible changes. There was extended discussion in some areas and differing viewpoints were presented, but we thank God for the unity of spirit which prevailed in the Committee. Many proposed changes were adopted by consensus; some changes were proposed by
REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICA 93 motion and adopted. The Preface and each of the Chapters as they appear in attached Revision were unanimously approved by the Committee. You will notice that we changed the name of the document to The Directory of Worship for the Public Worship of God. In this document we are focusing our attention on the public worship of God's people. This in no way lessens our concern for the place of individual or family worship. In fact, we are recommending that Synod see to the preparation and publication of new materials for guidance and encouragement in private and family worship. There is much more in the way of counsel and instruction needed for individuals and families than we had considered in The Directory for Worship. We have followed the precedent of the Committee to Revise the Form of Church Government in making the proposed Directory for Worship a manual of definitions, procedures and guidelines for congregations in their corporate worship. The proposed Directory upholds the doctrinal position of the Church regarding worship, but relegates the argumentation of that doctrine to the Westminster Standards and our Testimony. The Revision of the Directory for Worship must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Synod, and by overture to the Sessions of the Church.. When approved, the revised Directory is to be received as a subordinate standard declaring the law and order of the Church. Following its adoption, the Directory may be amended by any Synod by a two-thirds majority vote. If, however, Synod considers that the item before it should have the consideration and discussion of the Sessions,it can by a simple majority vote decide to use the procedure of sending proposed amendments down in overture. Such amendments must be adopted by a two-thirds vote of the Synod before they can be sent down in overture to the Sessions. Recommendations: I. That the proposed revision of the Directory for Worship be received by the Synod for action. 2. That following the precedent in handling the Revision of the Testimony and the Revision of the Form of Church Government, that 30 minutes be allotted for floor discussion and debate on each chapter of the proposed Directory for Worship, and that individual speakers be limited to 3 minutes. No amendments shall be allowed from the floor. Each chapter shall be voted on in its entirety. Approval requires a two-thirds vote. 3. That failure to receive a two-thirds majority vote on any chapter will have the effect of returning that chapter to the Committee for revision in light of the floor discussion. 4. That when each chapter has received the necessary two-thirds vote of the Synod, the entire Directory for Worship be submitted to the sessions in overture, and that the sessions be asked to vote on each chapter separately, thereby allowing
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