--- title: "Chapter 31: Of Synods and Councils | RP Testimony" description: "Chapter 31 of the RP Testimony: Of Synods and Councils. Read the 2026 RPCNA Constitution text, Scripture proofs, and the corresponding Westminster Confession chapter." canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-31-synods-and-councils/" source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=109" --- # Chapter 31: Of Synods and Councils | RP Testimony 1. Christ is the only Head and Lawgiver of the Church. He gave the apostles authority to establish the permanent form of church government, which is set forth in the New Testament. Eph. 1:22; Matt. 18:18; 1 Cor. 14:37; Eph. 4:11-12; 2 Cor. 13:10; Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17, 28; Heb. 13:17. 2. We reject paragraph 2 of the Confession of Faith. 3. No ecclesiastical authority is placed in the hands of private Christians or civil rulers; church judicatories are subordinate only to Christ Jesus. They appoint, by an exclusive right, their own times and places of meeting and adjournment. Matt. 22:21. (For details, see Directory for Church Government, chaps. 6-7.) 4. We reject the systems of church government which center authority in one individual or in a hierarchy of bishops. We further reject the independent congregational system with authority vested in autonomous congregations. 5. Subordinate standards, such as the Confession of Faith, Catechisms and the Testimony, serve a necessary and useful purpose as a summary of biblical teaching, a basis for fellowship and common service, and as a testimony to the world of the church’s belief and practice. They are never to be taken as a substitute for God’s Word or as a complete or final exposition of it. Rom. 15:5-6; 1 Tim. 3:15-16; Heb. 4: 12; Mark 7:6-13. 6. It is the responsibility of the Church to declare God’s Word to civil authorities as it applies to their use of the power that has been given them. Acts 9:15; Ps. 119:46; Matt. 10:17-18; Luke 3:12-14. (Compare also the Testimony, chap. 23.) ## For kids — a study explanation (ages 10–13) These explanations are separate from the official text above. Words to knowSynodA wider assembly of church leaders for shared government and counsel.Subordinate standardA church confession or catechism that summarizes belief while remaining under the Bible’s authority.RejectsSays that a teaching is wrong and must not be accepted.CivilConcerning government and public life, rather than church government.Church courtsGroups of elders who govern the church together, such as the session, presbytery, and Synod. ### Testimony 31.1 Christ alone is the church’s head and lawgiver. Through the apostles, he established its continuing form of government in the New Testament. [Read original point 1 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-31-synods-and-councils/#point-1) ### Testimony 31.2 The Testimony rejects the whole original WCF 31.2, including its permission for civil rulers to call religious synods. The Testimony instead assigns church courts the exclusive right to arrange their own meetings in RPT 31.3. [Read original point 2 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-31-synods-and-councils/#point-2) ### Testimony 31.3 Civil rulers and private individuals do not hold authority to govern the church. Church courts answer to Christ and have the exclusive right to set their meetings. [Read original point 3 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-31-synods-and-councils/#point-3) ### Testimony 31.4 The Testimony rejects putting all church authority in one ruler or a ladder of bishops. It also rejects churches governing entirely on their own. Instead, elders govern together in connected church courts. [Read original point 4 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-31-synods-and-councils/#point-4) ### Testimony 31.5 Confessions, catechisms, and the Testimony help summarize Scripture and support shared faith and service. They never replace the Bible or exhaust everything it teaches. [Read original point 5 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-31-synods-and-councils/#point-5) ### Testimony 31.6 The church should explain to civil rulers what God’s Word requires in the use of their authority. [Read original point 6 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-31-synods-and-councils/#point-6) ### Talk about it Why do church leaders need to make decisions together under Christ? ### Discuss and remember Read the chapter together, then choose a question to talk about. - Why do congregations need help and accountability from other congregations? - Why must church decisions and standards always be tested by Scripture? #### Scripture to remember Colossians 3:16 [Read the memory passage in our Bible reader →](https://ctkrp.org/bible/?q=Colossians%203%3A16) 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 Learn the names of your church’s session, presbytery, and denomination. [Find help for family worship](https://ctkrp.org/family-worship/) Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=109) ## Related reading - [Church membership and life together](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/church-membership/) - [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-25-church/) - [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/) - [Find teaching on church](https://ctkrp.org/sermons/?q=church) - [Westminster Confession · Chapter 31](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-31-synods-and-councils/) - [Chapter 30](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-30-church-censures/) - [Chapter 32](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-32-state-of-men-after-death-and-of-the-resurrection/) Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-31-synods-and-councils/