Be at Peace With Church Office-Bearers as Much as Possible!
Rev. Angus Stewart addresses the proper Christian attitude toward church office-bearers, drawing on Belgic Confession 31 and biblical principles of humility and discernment. The article guides church members on how to evaluate concerns about ministers, elders, or deacons fairly and respond with biblical peace rather than murmuring or contention. This practical exhortation balances legitimate accountability with respect for church leadership and the unity of the body of Christ.
Rev. Angus Stewart Previously we considered “Murmuring, Strife and Contention Against Church Office-Bearers.” Now we turn from the negative to the positive: “Be at Peace With Church Office-Bearers as Much as Possible!” The phrasing of both titles comes from the last paragraph of Belgic Confession 31, which is headed, “The Ministers, Elders, and Deacons”: Moreover, that this holy ordinance of God may not be violated or slighted, we say that every one ought to esteem the ministers of God’s Word...