Dort
Church Order.
The constitution for good order in the Reformed Churches — since Dort, 1618.
“Let all things be done decently and in order.”
1 Corinthians 14:40
Overview of the Church Order
The Church Order consists of 86 articles governing all of church life — from offices and assemblies to sacraments and discipline.
Foundation & Services
Establishes the need for good church order: services, gatherings, doctrinal oversight, sacraments and ceremonies.
Ministers of the Word
Calling, appointment, duties, maintenance and emeritus status of ministers.
Other Offices
Professors, elders and deacons — election, ordination and terms of service.
Ecclesiastical Assemblies
Consistory, classis, regional synod and general synod — oversight and accountability.
Doctrine & Sacraments
Subscription to the Three Forms of Unity, baptism, communion and catechism preaching.
Church Discipline
Private admonition, public admonition, suspension and excommunication — restorative, not punitive.
Key Principles
The foundation on which the Church Order is built.
Parity of Churches
01Every local church is equal and autonomous. No church rules over another.
“No church shall exercise dominion over other churches.”
Accountability
02Multi-level oversight with visitation and reporting ensures mutual responsibility.
“The one church shall help the other.”
Doctrinal Fidelity
03Subscription requirements and doctrinal discipline ensure faithfulness to Scripture and the confessions.
“The pure ministry of the Word of God.”
Good Order
04Article 86 permits amendment when church interests require it, via the general synod.
“Everything decently and in order.”
Download the Church Order
The full text of the Dort Church Order as used in the GKSA.
“These articles, relating to the lawful order of the church, have been so drafted with common accord that they may be changed if the interests of the churches require it.”
Article 86 — Dort Church Order