When Calvin came back in Geneva in 1541, he continued his work as nothing had happened. He knew exactly what he wanted. His dream was a Christian society. Not one were God`s commandments were only observed in Church, but also in society......
He made a new church order with this in his mind. I will tell you the most important ones;
-There were FOUR offices in church,
Ministers were responsible for preaching, the sacraments, pastoral care and discipline
Lectures took care of theological education and catechizing. This included the training of ministers
Elders, formed together with the ministers a consistory to govern the congregation. They monitored the lives of church members in their own district.
Deacons were responsible for the service of charity. This included the management of a hospital and a home for the elderly,, widows and orphans.
-Church discipline,
The consistory had the right to rebuke everyone who did not lead Christian life. They even could denied someone from Lord`s Supper if they lived a public sin. They also could ban someone from the church if someone was persisted in sin. Those who had criminal affairs were handled by the Council.
-The Lord`s Supper
Calvin wanted the Lord`s Supper monthly however the Council said that four times was the max.
-Catechetical instruction
The doctors had the responsibility for catechism. However Calvin wrote self the instruments to teach the children, Geneva Cathechism with 373 questions.
-Church feasts
A lot of feasts (especially Roman Catholics) were abolished. Of course he gave a lot of attention to the birth and death of Christ in his preaches. But beside that, he didn`t want any feasts.
-The liturgy
Al attention had to be dericted to the preaching of the gospel because that was the most important thing. Beside that Calvin thould that `partaking` was very important for the congregration. Therefore, they sang many Psalms during the service.
