Geneva, Calvin, Discipelship, Counseling, & Mediation

For the sake of curiosity, I purchased a $6 clearance copy of the “Registry of the Consistory of Geneva in the Time of Calvin, Vol. 1: 1542—1544” published by Eerdmans and the H.H. Meter Center for Calvin Studies Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

I was hoping to learn about three things: (1) how the Consistory of Geneva went about organizing other congregations in the fashion of Calvin’s Geneva; (2) how they went about commissioning and sending out foreign missionaries; and (3) the “ins-and-outs” of theological discussion/debate among Calvin and the Consistory of Geneva.  Well, if you have ever perused the “Registry of the Consistory of Geneva in the Time of Calvin”, you know that the majority of the registry doesn’t contain a lot of information on the afore mentions three topics/issues. 

In turn, I was surprised to see how much time and energy the Consistory of Geneva in the time of Calvin devoted to the following three areas: (1) direct personal discipleship/discipline; (2) family, marriage, and  relationship counseling for the sake of repentance, reconciliation, and restoration; and (3) mediation of legal disputes.  Three cases on one day, Thursday, April 5, 1543, (pgs. 226-227 & 229-230) are illustrative of these three points and of the majority of the content of the Registry.  First, John Calvin personally disciples and corrects Claude Tappugnier an ironmonger on his erroneous beliefs about the saving value of his good works and praying to the Virgin Mary.  Second, the Consistory deals with Jaquemaz the wife of Master Renault a quilter who’s bitter conflicts with her husband and neighboring women gave rise to her ill temper and blasphemy.  Third, the consistory mediates the case of Guillaume Villars a barber who is accused of usury.  Notice the people this consistory deals with; these are common people (a blacksmith, a quilter’s wife, and a barber) entangled in the grit and grizzle of our sinful world.  This consistory does not seem to be made up of disconnected erudite men who spend their time dealing with abstract ivory tower theology and philosophy. 

OK, so what?  In our present day and age, it seems that many American evangelical churches have become overly preoccupied by the nuts and bolts of strategic planning, visioning, goal setting, finances, facilities, committees, and administration.  Is there anything wrong with these nuts and bolts mechanical issues?  No.  In fact, the elders of a church aught to be doing this work with all due diligence and conscientiousness.  The potential problem is that some times church consistories, sessions, or elders boards become so consumed with the nuts and bolts issues of the church that discipleship, counseling, and mediation are neglected.  Or, stated differently, the interpersonal care and shepherding of the people in the pew is neglected due to a glut of administrative business. 

I have a recollection of hearing Dr. Tim Lane of the Christian Counselors and Educators Foundation and Rev. Alfred Poirier of Peacemaker Ministries each saying something to the effect of, “The current proliferation of lawyers and counselors exists because the church has forfeited two of her prized/privileged roles: peacemaking and counseling.”  I would add, the current proliferation of young people walking away for the church “because they don’t get the relevance of the Christian faith” is happening because the church has forfeited the honor of disciple-making.  I believe most elders would enjoy and prize the honored privilege of discipleship, counseling, and mediation; however, many elders are simply hampered by an inordinate amount of administrative work.  It is not that elders don’t want to engage in discipleship, counseling, and mediation; it is that they are hindered from these joyful labors.