In some denominations, it's a level of church government that ovcersees a group of churches. (I'll lay off the issue of where it's found in the Bible for now, seeing as I could spark a debate over ecclesiology...)
Prove it.
Josh "...the word of God is not bound."--2 Timothy 2:9
I grew up in the PCUSA, so I am more familier with their meaning for "synod" then the meaning of synod in other denominations (note I said "in some denominations" in my post). Here is the LCMS definition of synod:
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What does "Synod" mean? The word "Synod" in The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod comes from Greek words that mean "walking together." The term has rich meaning in our church body, because congregations voluntarily choose to belong to the Synod. Though diverse in their service, these congregations hold to a shared confession of Jesus Christ as taught in Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions which they believe are a correct interpretation and presentation of Biblical doctrine. Contained in The Book of Concord: The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, these statements of belief were put into writing by church leaders during the 16th century. The simplest of these is Luther's Small Catechism. The Augsburg Confession gives more detail on what Lutherans believe. Read an article from the May 2004 Lutheran Witness about what a "Synod" is.
1. For the better government, and further edification of the Church, there ought to be such assemblies as are commonly called Synods or Councils; and it belongeth to the overseers and other rulers of the particular churches, by virtue of their office, and the power which Christ hath given them for edification and not for destruction, to appoint such assemblies; and to convene together in them, as often as they shall judge it expedient for the good of the church.
2. It belongeth to synods and councils, ministerially to determine controversies of faith, and cases of conscience; to set down rules and directions for the better ordering of the public worship of God, and government of His Church; to receive complaints in cases of maladministration, and authoritatively to determine the same: which decrees and determinations, if consonant to the Word of God, are to be received with reverence and submission; not only for their agreement with the Word, but also for the power whereby they are made, as being an ordinance of God appointed thereunto in His Word.
3. All synods or councils, since the Apostles' times, whether general or particular, may err; and many have erred. Therefore they are not to be made the rule of faith, or practice; but to be used as a help in both.
4. Synods and councils are to handle, or conclude nothing, but that which is ecclesiastical: and are not to intermeddle with civil affairs which concern the commonwealth, unless by way of humble petition in cases extraordinary; or, by way of advice, for satisfaction of conscience, if they be thereunto required by the civil magistrate.
True godliness is a sincere feeling which loves God as Father as much as it fears and reverences Him as Lord, embraces His righteousness, and dreads offending Him worse than death~ Calvin
Lately, the LCMS has moved toward the Presbyterian model of the WCF but not in good way. The synod has begun to interfere with faithful local congregations while, at the same time, ignoring unfaithful congregations.
This is contrary to official LCMS teachings which specifically deny that a synod is or can be a form of church government. All churchly authority is invested in the local congregation (Walther's Theses on the Church).
Among Lutherans, there are other definitions of synod. The ELCA has synods but it is essentially episcopal (in Apostolic Succession via the ECUSA). The WELS teaches that synod is or can be church but it gives each congregation full autonomy.
If Presbyterians believe that synods may exercise church government over local congregations, I would be very much interested in the scriptural support.
If Presbyterians believe that synods may exercise church government over local congregations, I would be very much interested in the scriptural support.
See the Jerusalem Council, Acts 15.
Kyle
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified.
A good (audio) overview of local church autonomy is found here.
Specifically, as an answer to the Jerusalem Council, James White argues that it was a meeting between two specific churches, and it was apostolic as well. So, since that office is no longer in existence, such a Council would not be repeatable. The Council also claimed divine inspiration in Acts 15:28-29.
In the bigger picture, you don't see any sort of presbytery structure in the New Testament. Why didn't Paul lay down qualifications for those in any offices higher than elders? Why did Paul write to the church at Corinth instead of writing to the Presbytery of Asia Minor? Why were the warnings against false teachers given to local churches and not also to presbyteries?
True godliness is a sincere feeling which loves God as Father as much as it fears and reverences Him as Lord, embraces His righteousness, and dreads offending Him worse than death~ Calvin
So you don't think there are higher offices than elders of a local church?
True godliness is a sincere feeling which loves God as Father as much as it fears and reverences Him as Lord, embraces His righteousness, and dreads offending Him worse than death~ Calvin
SemperReformanda said: So you don't think there are higher offices than elders of a local church?
There are absolutely no higher offices than elders in presbyterian polity. However, church governance is not limited to the local body, but is extended representationally to larger and larger regions.
Kyle
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified.
Specifically, as an answer to the Jerusalem Council, James White argues that it was a meeting between two specific churches. . .
Yes, it appears to be simply a mission or delegation of one independent congregation to another independent congregation. Not a proof of synod authority.
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In the bigger picture, you don't see any sort of presbytery structure in the New Testament. Why didn't Paul lay down qualifications for those in any offices higher than elders? Why did Paul write to the church at Corinth instead of writing to the Presbytery of Asia Minor? Why were the warnings against false teachers given to local churches and not also to presbyteries?
Yes, all that would argue against churchly authority of Presbyteries and Bishops. However, such offices are useful and are not prohibited by scripture as long as the local church is being assisted and not being oppressed.
Baptist's have Conventions and Local Association offices that are supposed to be resource and guidance centers but they frequently exercise the type of authority you all are talking about. None of it direct, of course, but by denying resources, funding and/or equipment usage to churches not toeing the line. Oppression is the real danger that I can see.
I really didn't know what a Synod was. Thanks for clearing it up.
Josh "...the word of God is not bound."--2 Timothy 2:9
