When a new pastor is ordained and installed in the PCA, the presiding minister asks him particular questions in preparation for the installation. On Sunday evening, these questions will be put to Pastor Rhett:
- Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as originally given, to be the inerrant Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice?
- Do you sincerely receive and adopt the Confession of Faith and the Catechisms of this Church, as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures; and do you further promise that if at any time you find yourself out of accord with any of the fundamentals of this system of doctrine, you will on your own initiative, make known to your Presbytery the change which has taken place in your views since the assumption of this ordination vow?
- Do you approve of the form of government and discipline of the Presbyterian Church in America, in conformity with the general principles of Biblical polity?
- Do you promise subjection to your brethren in the Lord?
- Have you been induced, as far as you know your own heart, to seek the office of the holy ministry from love to God and a sincere desire to promote His glory in the Gospel of His Son?
- Do you promise to be zealous and faithful in maintaining the truths of the Gospel and the purity and peace and unity of the Church, whatever persecution or opposition may arise unto you on that account?
- Do you engage to be faithful and diligent in the exercise of all your duties as a Christian and a minister of the Gospel, whether personal or relational, private or public; and to endeavor by the grace of God to adorn the profession of the Gospel in your manner of life, and to walk with exemplary piety before the flock of which God shall make you overseer?
- Are you now willing to take the charge of this church, agreeable to your declaration when accepting their call? And do you, relying upon God for strength, promise to discharge to it the duties of a pastor?
Once Rhett answers these questions in the affirmative, the minister will then turn to the congregation and ask the following questions:
The Constitutional Questions to the Congregation[‡]
- Do you, the people of this congregation, continue to profess your readiness to receive Rhett Austin, whom you have called to be your pastor?
- Do you promise to receive the word of truth from his mouth with meekness and love, and to submit to him in the due exercise of discipline?
- Do you promise to encourage him in his labors, and to assist his endeavors for your instruction and spiritual edification?
- Do you engage to continue to him while he is your pastor that competent worldly maintenance which you have promised, and to furnish him with whatever you may see needful for the honor of religion and for his comfort among you?
[‡] Members of Faith Community Church respond, “We do.”
We invite all members of FCC to prayerfully read through these questions as we anticipate the next season of ministry at Faith, rejoicing in God’s faithfulness to all of us.