---
title: "Chapter 25: Of the Church | RP Testimony"
description: "Chapter 25 of the RP Testimony: Of the Church. Read the 2026 RPCNA Constitution text, Scripture proofs, and the corresponding Westminster Confession chapter."
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/"
source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=94"
---

# Chapter 25: Of the Church | RP Testimony

1. The Church is the body of Christ, which He has redeemed with His own blood, to be a chosen people unto Himself.

2. It is the mission of the Church to preserve, maintain and proclaim to the whole world the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the whole counsel of God; to gather into her fellowship those of every race and people who accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and promise obedience to Him; to build them up in their most holy faith, and train them to be faithful witnesses for Christ in all his offices; to maintain the ordinances of divine worship in their purity; witness against all evil; and in every way to seek the advancement of the Kingdom of God on earth.

3. The Church is one among all nations, yet for the purpose of corporate worship and orderly procedures, distinct congregations and judicatories are warranted. Acts 15:22; Acts 16:4-5; 1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:2; Phil. 1:1; Col. 4:15-16.

4. There is a visible and an invisible aspect of the Church, but these are not two churches. Heb. 12:23; Rev. 3:1, 5.

5. We reject the teaching that the Church originated in the New Testament and is an interruption of God’s plan for the Kingdom. Rom. 11:17-24; Heb. 9:13-10:18.

6. The Lord Jesus Christ has clothed His Church with power and authority. This authority is vested in the whole membership of the Church, which has the right to choose its officers from among those of its own members who possess the scriptural qualifications.

7. Christ has appointed in His Word a particular form of government for the visible church. It is government by elders (Greek: presbyters) and is therefore called presbyterian. Each congregation should be ruled by a session of ordained elders, elected by the membership of the congregation. Acts 15:22; Acts 14:23; Acts 13:1-4; Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18; 2 Cor. 8:19; 1 Tim. 3:1-7. (See Testimony, chap. 31, par. 3; and Directory for Church Government, chap. 3, sect. I and II, and chap. 4.)

8. The permanent officers to be set apart by ordination are elders and deacons. The office of elder is restricted in Scripture to men. Women as well as men may hold the office of deacon. Ordination is a solemn setting apart to a specific office by the laying on of the hands of a court of the Church and is not to be repeated. Installation is the official constitution of a relationship between one who is ordained and the congregation. 1 Tim. 2:12; 3:2; Titus 1:6.

9. The responsibility of the elders is in teaching and ruling. Although all elders are to be able to teach, the Scripture recognizes a distinction in these functions. All elders are equal in the government of the Church. This office is referred to in Scripture by two terms used synonymously: elder, and bishop or overseer. 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:9; 1 Tim. 5:17; Acts 20:28; Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:28; Titus 1:7.

10. The elders are organized in courts (the session, the presbytery and the Synod) to which is committed the power of governing the church and of ordaining officers. This power is moral and spiritual, and subject to the law of God. Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:9; 1 Tim. 5:17; Acts 20:28; Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor 12:28; Titus 1:7.

11. The diaconate is a spiritual office subordinate to the session and is not a teaching or ruling office. The deacons have responsibility for the ministry of mercy, the finances and property of the congregation, and such other tasks as are assigned to them by the session. Other officers mentioned in the New Testament were commissioned uniquely during the apostolic age for the establishment of the Church. Acts 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 3:8-13.

12. While the New Testament does not state plainly the authority or qualifications for a continuing office of Evangelist, it does clearly set forth the ministry of evangelism in calling all men everywhere to repent and believe the Gospel. Persons displaying the gift of evangelism should minister under the oversight of the Church in given situations.

13. We deny that the exclusion of women from the office of elder can be said to result in the frustration of one’s divine vocation or the neglect of one’s spiritual gifts for ministry. 1 Cor. 12:14-26.

14. Divisions that separate believers into denominations mar the unity of the Church and are due to error and sin. It is the duty of all denominations which are true churches of Christ to seek reconciliation and union. Such organizational unity, however, should be sought only on the basis of truth and of scriptural order. It is the duty of every believer to unite with the branch of the visible church which adheres most closely to the Scriptures. Acts 15:22-29; 1 Cor. 10:17; Eph. 4:4-6; Acts 17:11-12.

15. The Church must have membership requirements based on Scripture, to which every member gives his assent. Those who give such assent and their children are church members. Acts 2:39; 1 Cor. 7:14; Rev. 2–3. (See Directory for Church Government, chap. 1, sect. I.)

16. It is the duty of Christians to pray for and seek after the purity and unity of the Church. Ps. 122:6-9; John 17:11, 21; Eph. 4:13.

17. When any church imposes sinful requirements for membership; when its constitution or creedal statements are fundamentally unscriptural; when its administration is corrupt; or when sound preaching and proper discipline are neglected, it is the duty of Christians to attempt its reformation. Then if such efforts prove ineffectual, it is their duty to separate from it, and to unite with a sound church. Rev. 2:20-23; Acts 19:8-9; 2 Cor. 6:16-17.

18. Many antichrists will be present in the world throughout history. Prior to Christ’s coming the final “man of lawlessness” will be revealed. He will be destroyed by Christ. 1 John 2:18; 1 John 4:3; 2 Thess. 2:8.

19. Christians should walk in the light. Their beliefs, purposes, manner of life, and their rules of action and conduct should be based on the Word of God and should not be concealed. Oathbound societies usually involve an improper requirement of secrecy, aims which are immoral, intimate fellowship with unbelievers or participation in unbiblical worship. Membership in such organizations is inconsistent with a Christian profession, however good their announced purposes may be. 1 John 1:7; 1 Thess. 5:5; Matt. 5:14; 2 John 1:7-11; John 3:20-21; Eph. 5:8-14; Matt. 15:9.

## For kids — a study explanation (ages 10–13)

These explanations are separate from the official text above.

Words to knowCatholicUniversal or worldwide; here it does not mean the Roman Catholic denomination.Invisible churchAll the people who truly belong to Christ, whose hearts God knows.Visible churchThe community of people professing the true faith, together with their children.AntichristSomeone opposing Christ or claiming his place; the Confession and Testimony discuss this in their historical wording.RejectsSays that a teaching is wrong and must not be accepted.SynodA wider gathering of church elders who make decisions together under Christ.OrdainedSet apart by the church for a church office.GospelThe good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.

### Testimony 25.1

The church is Christ’s people, purchased by his blood and belonging to him.

[Read original point 1 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/#point-1)

### Testimony 25.2

The church must proclaim the gospel and all God’s teaching, gather and train believers, preserve faithful worship, oppose evil, and advance Christ’s kingdom.

[Read original point 2 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/#point-2)

### Testimony 25.3

Christ’s church is one worldwide body. Local congregations and wider assemblies provide orderly worship and government within that unity.

[Read original point 3 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/#point-3)

### Testimony 25.4

The church’s visible membership and its invisible reality of true believers are two aspects of the same church, rather than two separate churches.

[Read original point 4 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/#point-4)

### Testimony 25.5

The Testimony rejects treating the church as a New Testament invention or a temporary interruption of God’s kingdom plan.

[Read original point 5 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/#point-5)

### Testimony 25.6

Christ gives the church authority, including the members’ right to choose qualified officers from among them.

[Read original point 6 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/#point-6)

### Testimony 25.7

Christ directs the church to be governed by elders. A local congregation elects ordained elders who together form its governing session; this is presbyterian government.

[Read original point 7 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/#point-7)

### Testimony 25.8

The continuing church offices are elder and deacon. Only men may be elders; both women and men may be deacons. Ordination sets someone apart for an office. Installation places that person in service in a particular church.

[Read original point 8 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/#point-8)

### Testimony 25.9

Elders teach and govern, with some especially devoted to teaching. All elders have equal governing authority; elder and overseer describe the same office.

[Read original point 9 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/#point-9)

### Testimony 25.10

Elders govern together in the session, presbytery, and Synod, which also ordain officers. Their authority is spiritual and remains under God’s law.

[Read original point 10 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/#point-10)

### Testimony 25.11

Deacons help people in need and care for church money, property, and other assigned tasks under the elders. They do not have the elders’ teaching and governing authority. Some offices in the apostles’ time had a special role in founding the church.

[Read original point 11 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/#point-11)

### Testimony 25.12

The church should guide and oversee people gifted in sharing the gospel. The Testimony does not find clear biblical support for a continuing church office called Evangelist.

[Read original point 12 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/#point-12)

### Testimony 25.13

The Testimony rejects the claim that reserving the office of elder for men prevents women from fulfilling God’s calling or using their spiritual gifts.

[Read original point 13 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/#point-13)

### Testimony 25.14

Church divisions arise from error and sin, so true churches should seek unity grounded in biblical truth and order. Christians should join the branch most faithful to Scripture.

[Read original point 14 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/#point-14)

### Testimony 25.15

Church membership requires agreement with scriptural membership standards. Those who give that agreement and their children belong to the church.

[Read original point 15 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/#point-15)

### Testimony 25.16

Christians should pray and work for both the church’s faithfulness and its unity.

[Read original point 16 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/#point-16)

### Testimony 25.17

When a church imposes sinful requirements or seriously abandons sound belief and practice, Christians should seek reform. If reform fails, they should leave and join a faithful church.

[Read original point 17 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/#point-17)

### Testimony 25.18

Many opponents of Christ will appear throughout history. A final man of lawlessness will be revealed before Christ’s return and destroyed by him.

[Read original point 18 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/#point-18)

### Testimony 25.19

Christians should openly follow the Bible. The Testimony rejects joining secret societies whose required promises involve wrong secrecy, goals, partnerships, or worship.

[Read original point 19 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/#point-19)

### Talk about it

How do elders and deacons help the church?

### Discuss and remember

Read the chapter together, then choose a question to talk about.

- Who is the Head of the church?
- How do elders and the whole church family help us grow?

#### Scripture to remember

Colossians 1:18

[Read the memory passage in our Bible reader →](https://ctkrp.org/bible/?q=Colossians%201%3A18)

Read the passage in context. Explain it in your own words, then practice one short phrase at a time. Review it together during the week.

#### Put it into practice

Thank God for someone in your congregation and encourage that person.

[Find help for family worship](https://ctkrp.org/family-worship/)

Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=94)

## Related reading

- [Church membership and life together](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/church-membership/)
- [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 62: What is the visible Church?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-62-what-is-the-visible-church/)
- [What does “Presbyterian” mean?](https://ctkrp.org/learn/what-is-presbyterian/)
- [Directory for Church Government](https://ctkrp.org/church-government/)
- [Find teaching on church](https://ctkrp.org/sermons/?q=church)
- [Westminster Confession · Chapter 25](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-25-church/)
- [Chapter 24](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-24-marriage-and-divorce/)
- [Chapter 26](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-26-communion-of-saints/)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/