Resources for Consistory MembersBook of Church Order
The Book of Church Order contains the Government, the Disciplinary and Judicial Procedures, the Bylaws and Special Rules of Order of the General Synod, and the Formularies. Called to Serve
Each issue of Called to Serve features one section specifically for deacons and another just for elders. It also features a consistory leader (or leaders) discussing a relevant issue of interest to both offices in his or her own words. Come to the Water
This three-week study is intended to draw on the richness and centering power of baptism and to empower the church to begin to see baptism as singular and ongoing. Available are a Leader's Guide and a Participant's Guide (both PDF). Companions on the Way
Companions on the Way guides elders and other church leaders as they help people, especially those with a limited Christian background, explore or rediscover the Christian faith. Adaptable for each congregation, Companions on the Way provides an organized, faithful, and hospitable way of welcoming and supporting people who are on their way to profession of faith at baptism and a life of Christian discipleship. Deacons and Elders: Called to Serve Training Resource
This exciting new training resource helps deacons and elders better prepare to serve as leaders in their congregations. It combines the best of several books, pamphlets, and videos that have been used in the past to train RCA elders and deacons, and adds case studies and other materials that invite participants to interact and learn together. The new resource features a combined leader and participant booklet, a pamphlet entitled “A Three-Minute Tour of the Reformed Church in America,” and a DVD to complement material in the booklet. Faithful Consistories: Office, Ministry, and Mission in the Reformed Church in America and an accompanying Study Guide (PDF)
This report "concerns the Reformed understanding of the offices and their assembly in the congregation, that is, of elders, deacons, ministers of Word and sacrament, and their gathering as consistory." The leader's guide provides two formats, one for presentation in a single session, such as during a retreat, and a second consisting of nine 30-minute sessions, suitable for consistory meetings and adult study groups. Ministering to Families Affected by Military Deployment
The U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains is grateful to partner with civilian clergy of various denominational backgrounds to more effectively minister to community based family members of the military Reserve Forces. The "Deployment Resources for America's Clergy" includes coming home brochures for soldiers and their families, stress management resources, ministry to soldiers in times of grief, resources to assist families of mobilized military Reserve Forces, and much more. Download the Deployment Resources (PDF). Can a minister endorse a candidate from the pulpit or speak on political issues of interest to voters? Is a church or other house of worship legally permitted to register voters or distribute voter guides? Answers to these and many other questions are contained in Politics and the Pulpit 2008: A Guide to the Internal Revenue Codes Restrictions on the Political Activity of Religious Organizations, recently released by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. This guide sets out in plain English the rules governing political activity that apply to nonprofit organizations (including churches and other religious groups) that are exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The IRS has new resources and information on its Political Activity Compliance Initiative with respect to the 2008 election season. Revenue Ruling 2007-41 (PDF) provides guidelines for exempt organizations on the scope of the the tax law prohibition of campaign activities by section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. The ruling sets out 21 factual situations involving 501(c)(3) organizations, including churches, and activities that may be prohibited campaign intervention. In each situation, the ruling applies tax law and regulations and concludes that prohibited political activity has or has not occurred. Other IRS Publications Incorporation of Local Churches
The RCA’s Book of Church Order contains no specific requirement that local churches be incorporated. Nevertheless, incorporation offers a number of advantages, and therefore is strongly recommended. More information can be found in this summary, downloadable in the following formats: PDF, RTF, DOC Orderly Exchange of Ministers of Word and Sacrament
The Formula of Agreement is a 1997 reconciliation of ministries between the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, the Presbyterian Church USA, and the United Church of Christ. By the Orderly Exchange agreement, we honor each ordained minister and allow them to serve within our denomination. Submitted Resources: the following resources have been submitted by elders and deacons from around the RCA. They are intended to be used as other elders and deacons best see fit (anything from using them as a template to beginning a discussion based on them). Do you have a resource you could share? Please email it to webservant@rca.org. - Deacon in Charge: PDF, RTF, DOC
- Petty Cash Policy: PDF, RTF, DOC
- Benevolence Policy: PDF, RTF, DOC
- Financial and Accounting Policy: PDF, RTF, DOC
- Pastoral Counseling Policy: PDF, RTF, DOC
Suggested Resource Material
Resource lists intended to give guidance in selecting material with a Reformed perspective on the given topic. Faith Alive Christian Resources
Faith Alive Christian Resources publishes material in the areas of education, worship, and evangelism. Many of the above resources are also available for purchase through Faith Alive. Need help finding a resource for your congregation? Jane Schuyler, the RCA's congregational support specialist, researches and recommends resources to direct congregations to printed materials, videos/DVDs, websites, programs, and people that meet their needs. You can reach Jane by calling her directly at (800) 968-6065. You can also email Jane at helpline@rca.org. Jane can help connect you with the best resources--people, program, or product--to meet your need. Feel free to communicate your resource recommendations to Jane, too!
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