First Book of Discipline

The First Book of Discipline, published in 1560 by John Knox, was a foundational Scottish church guideline that outlined how churches should be organized and run. It emphasized simple worship without excess, a shared leadership structure, and moral discipline for both clergy and congregation. Its aim was to create a more accountable, disciplined, and biblically based church, reducing hierarchy and emphasizing community involvement. Essentially, it served as a blueprint for establishing a reformed, organized church that prioritized biblical principles and collective responsibility.