Church Discipline, Synods, and Councils — The Westminster Confession of Faith §30-31

Join us for an in-depth lecture exploring The Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF), Chapters 30 and 31, as we examine the principles of church censure and the role of synods and councils. This session covers:
• The governance of the church under Christ, distinct from civil authority (WCF 30.1).
• The biblical foundation and purpose of the "power of the keys," emphasizing the gospel-driven nature of church discipline (WCF 30.2-30.4).
• The degrees of church censures: admonition, suspension from the Lord's Supper, and excommunication.
• The calling, power, and purpose of councils and synods, including their ministerial and declarative functions (WCF 31.1-2).
• The limitations of synodical decisions, recognizing their potential for error and their conditional authority based on Scripture (WCF 31.2).
• The distinction between ecclesial and civil power in the church's interaction with the state (WCF 31.4).
This lecture dives into the theological and practical implications of these doctrines, helping us understand their relevance for the church today. Perfect for theology students, church leaders, and anyone passionate about Reformed church polity.
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Chapters

0:00 Introduction
0:38 Governance of the Church WCF 30.1
8:26 The Power of the Keys WCF 30.2
17:41 The Purpose of Church Discipline WCF 30.3
27:32 Types of Censure WCF 30.4
30:39 The Calling of Synods and Councils WCF 31.1
34:41 The Purpose and Power of Synods and Councils WCF 31.2
42:07 The Reception of Synods and Councils WCF 31.2
45:01 Councils are Fallible WCF 31.3
47:43 Councils are Ecclesial not Civil WCF 31.4