Do other religions have the equivalent of the Church Handbook of Instructions?

[Guest mormonmusic]

In the LDS Church, we have the CHI (Church Handbook of Instructions). It provides guidelines for how to conduct the affairs of the Church, describing the roles and responsiblities of various leaders and members as they serve in callings and all sorts of administrative issues down to the basic unit/ward/branch/congregation level.

I was wondering what kind of formal guidelines leaders in other Churches have to guide them, from paid ministry to volunteer leaders and members serving as teachers etcetera.

What are your guidelines called, and how extensive are they? How much room for personal interpretation do they provide as you go about fulfilling your calls in your church?

[rameumptom]

Most Protestant and evangelical churches have an annual meeting where they discuss and make changes to their protocols and beliefs. Some are so loosely based on a national/international level, that most decisions are left to the local congregation.

The Catholic church has major edicts which are followed by all. Under that, each diocese and archdiocese can make rules of their own.

Not sure if any have something exactly like the CHI, which is a set of standard doctrines and principles of governance, leaving most of the details and decisions to the local leaders.

[Human_Nature]

From the churches I go to/been to there is a handbook for the Bishops, Pastors, Missionary's, Evangelists etc. Mostly the ones who have "titles" and a little higher up. The main congregation don't have a handbook, they handle the affairs in business meetings and etc. Pastor have the final say so, But the Pastors have to follow the handbook.

[NeuroTypical]

From what I'm given to understand from certain Christian sects, folks preparing for a career as a minster or pastor will occasionally obtain a ThD degree from various institutions that offer them.

[Maureen]

From what I'm given to understand from certain Christian sects, folks preparing for a career as a minster or pastor will occasionally obtain a ThD degree from various institutions that offer them.

Huh? Doctor of Theology degree?

If this is supposed to be funny, I don't get it.

M.

[pam]

Huh? Doctor of Theology degree?

If this is supposed to be funny, I don't get it.

M.

Yes Doctor of Theology degree. There is such a thing. It's mainly designed to assist those going into vocations that require some kind of ordination. Or for those pastors who would like to accept assignments in institutional settings that require doctorate level credentials. It's the equivalent to a PH.D but in theology.

Edited November 26, 2010 by pam

[Maureen]

Yes Doctor of Theology degree. There is such a thing. It's mainly designed to assist those going into vocations that require some kind of ordination. Or for those pastors who would like to accept assignments in institutional settings that require doctorate level credentials. It's the equivalent to a PH.D but in theology.

But how does a Doctor of Theology degree equate with a book of Church Instructions or Policies?

M.

[prisonchaplain]

The most common degree for clergy is the Master of Divinity. It's generally 90 credits, so it does feel like a doctorate. On the other hand, a good number of evangelical churches do not require the degree. My church completely seperates education from the ordination process. On the other hand, studies are recommended, and these days most of our pastors have at least a four year degree. The "handbook of instructions" fits in with the vetting process. We are tested on our knowledge of core church doctrine, and of the Constitution and Bylaws. That "handbook" is available online, I believe, and anyone can read it.

[ADoyle90815]

Other churches have at the very least, an annual meeting where business is discussed, including the budget. The financial records are also available to anyone who asks to see them, and if there is a handbook, it's available online for anyone to read, even if they're not a member of that church.

[Lisa-marie]

At the Church I go to we have a church constitution that determines hoe to change the constitution, the election of elders, deacons and pastors, usually the pastor is the only paid member but the church can hire others, we must have in the constitution everything the Baptist union says we must plus other optional stuff then we have a practice manual which puts everything into day to day practice, any decisions are brought to the members by the leadership and is then voted on, this is done at members meetings and the practice manual and the church finances are reviewed at every AGM (annual general meeting). I hope that answers your question and makes sense, if not just ask about anything you want clarification on