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Year of Leader Formation: Investing in Ruling Elders and Deacons

Year of Leader Formation: Investing in Ruling Elders and Deacons

Resources for the Year of Leader Formation

Regarding Ruling Elders Logo

Coming Alive in Christ: Training for PC(USA) Ruling Elders and Deacons based on the Constitutional Questions

Regarding Ruling Elders Logo

Now available at https://equip.pcusa.org/. 

This multi-session resource, delivered through Equip, the PC(USA)’s online training site, is created for the study by and training of those serving as ruling elders and deacons. Based on the theological principles of the constitutional questions asked and answered in ordination, study guides are provided for leaders using a monthly format to last throughout the year and for a three-session retreat format. While the English version is available now, translations into Spanish and Korean which include cultural adaptations will be added in the coming months.  

“Each Christian Has a Calling” Hymn 

Written for the 2021 Year of Leader Formation by David Gambrell, PC(USA) Associate for Worship, this hymn affirms the Christian vocation of each member of the church, rooted in our common baptism. The verses, sung in unison, describe the particular forms of service of those called to ordered ministry—as deacons (verse 2), ruling elders (verse 3), and ministers of Word and Sacrament (verse 4). The refrain, sung in harmony, emphasizes the communal nature of Christian ministry.

The tune CALLING is a David Gambrell original, created for the Year of Leader Formation. The second score is for the familiar tune VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN

Each Christian Has a Calling - CALLING (pdf)

Each Christian Has a Calling - VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN (pdf)

Regarding Ruling Elders: A Monthly Series for Serving Faithfully

Regarding Ruling Elders Logo

Ruling elders are called to ministry in partnership with teaching elders. Within this calling, ruling elders have responsibilities in several areas of the life of the church including exercise in leadership, governance, spiritual discernment, and discipline. This long-standing series of articles that lifts up these responsibilities and ministries will continue in its usual format but with a leader formation thread running through each month’s issue beginning in 2021. The series will be written by Rev Dr Rodger Nishioka, Senior Associate and Director of Adult Educational Ministries at Village Church in Prairie Village, KS.

Articles available monthly at www.pcusa.org/rulingelders and with searchable archives at https://equip.pcusa.org/. 
Register here to subscribe to receive monthly email announcements about new articles in the series.  

Webinar series 

During the Year of Leader Formation, ruling elders and deacons will have an opportunity to join together in three webinars. Details about these events will be available here.

Possible topics include:

  • Parliamentary Procedure
  • Deacon Panel 
  • Discerning Gifts

Additional Resources for Leader Formation: 

Scattered Church provides resources for congregations to think through and care for the reality that congregations are finding new ministries to and with those who are not able to be physically present when the congregation gathers. 

Everyday God-talk series, which provides 10 minute conversations about faith and the realities of living out the faith now.

Daily Prayer app is available in both iOS and Android. It is an easy way to follow the discipline of daily prayer – it puts the pieces together for you, in your hand. Praying? There is indeed an app for that.

Call to Worship, a subscription publication, provides worship resources, suggesting hymns, themes, music for worship services. It also has articles on topics in worship, the church, and the world.

1001 New Worshiping Communities (New Church New Way) is an online resource that includes a podcast for leaders and includes  recent seasons on Covid-19, racial injustice, and passing down the faith.

PC(USA) Ruling Elder Ministries also offers a curated list of books, workshops, and other materials relevant to the ministry of ruling elders in the church.

As Christians, we are in a continuous process of growth in relationship with God, each other, and self. This is especially true of those who have been called to service in the ordered ministries of the church. During 2021, resources specifically geared toward this ecclesial growth will be provided for those currently serving, and those preparing to serve, PC(USA) congregations as ruling elders and deacons. 

NEWS & UPDATES

News of events and resources related to the formation of ruling elders and deacons will be sent periodically to those subscribe.

CONTACTS

Martha Miller
Ministry Education and Support
1.888.728.7228 x5751
Martha.Miller@pcusa.org