Bible Text: Numbers 16:1-15 | Preacher: Rev. Angus Stewart | Series: Belgic Confession 31, Office-Bearers: Qualifications Election Ordination and Equality | Article 31: The Ministers, Elders, and Deacons.
We believe that the ministers of God’s Word, and the elders and deacons, ought to be chosen to their respective offices by a lawful election by the church, with calling upon the name of the Lord, and in that order which the Word of God teacheth. Therefore every one must take heed not to intrude himself by indecent means, but is bound to wait till it shall please God to call him, that he may have testimony of his calling and be certain and assured that it is of the Lord.
As for the ministers of God’s Word, they have equally the same power and authority wheresoever they are, as they are all ministers of Christ, the only universal Bishop, and the only Head of the church. Moreover, that this holy ordinance of God may not be violated or slighted, we say that every one ought to esteem the ministers of God’s Word and the elders of the church very highly for their work’s sake, and be at peace with them without murmuring, strife, or contention, as much as possible.

Prof. Herman Hanko: “Submission to one’s officebearers in the church means, according to our Heidelberg Catechism, that believers show all love, honor, and respect to those in authority over them. Believers pray for their officebearers, submit to them, make their work as easy as possible, and always put down their own individual interests in their concern for the welfare of the church … Officebearers must work so that they seek the spiritual welfare of each individual member and the spiritual growth and strength of the congregation as a whole. They are, in their positions of authority, servants to the flock who spend themselves in the cause of the salvation of the souls of God’s people” (The Believers Manual For Church Order, p. 4).

For articles based on Belgic Confession 31 and on this class see
Murmuring, Strife and Contention Against Church Office-Bearers
Be at Peace With Church Office-Bearers as Much as Possible!