Statement of Apostolic Policy

[Praxeas]

That seems to me to be exactly what happens when the Pastoral authority is over emphasized. I have seen UPC congregations fall apart when the Pastor decided to take over another church. Despite having a pastor they were like lost sheep wandering around in the wilderness. Same happens when a pastor dies. People are unable to walk on their own...

[johnny44]

Originally Posted by Brother David

From my experience wording like this would seem to indicate that "nepotism" may be the only manner of succession by the time you get to this point, too however. Maybe there's nobody left after the elder passed except his own kin.

NOne of the ones there were his kin. I believe they were all adopted he never married.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by johnny44

NOne of the ones there were his kin. I believe they were all adopted he never married.

John's statement about the connection between this church and the late SC Johnson answers a lot of questions.

Also, not knowing the people named in the document personally, the use of the various "given" names kind of throws me off as to who's family and such. My only observation is that if it's a hereditary thing and the people like that, then it's fine. If it's something else and the folks all want it that way, then that's good too.