Presbyterian Polity

"While it is true there is a distinction between Paul’s Apostolic authority and a modern-day Teaching Elder’s authority, pastors still have a derived authority that stands on the shoulders of the message once for all delivered by the prophets and apostles (Eph. 2:20; 4:11-16). The pastor’s authority is rooted and grounded in God’s Word, and the Scriptures have much to say about its nature." ~ TE George Sayour in "The Maligned Ministry of Authority"

The Maligned Ministry of Authority We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.…

Thomas Rickard continues his series arguing against use of the term "deaconess" in the PCA.

“Within courts and organizations, there are different opinions on various matters. However, some aspects of the PCA are not open to discussion, such as the fact that the ordained offices in Christ’s Church are open only to qualified, godly men.”

Confusion I hope these articles (first, second) continue to provoke thought and discussion regarding the practice of non-ordained commissioned deaconesses. I hope I am gracious and kind as I present my case …

Dr. Michael Mock has contributed two essays on matters of critical importance in Presbyterian churches:

1) Sola Familia: When Family Ties Divide

2) Our Common Confession: What Unites Brothers

You do not want to miss these important pieces.

https://pcapolity.com/2026/04/16/sola-familia-when-family-ties-divide/

https://pcapolity.com/2026/04/17/our-common-confession-what-unites-brothers/

Our Common Confession: What Unites Brothers Yesterday we considered the danger of familial fidelity over loyalty to truth. When Sola Familia rules the roost, many are roasted by the fire of unholy zeal. We have natural affections for our fam…