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Ruling Elders

Ruling Elders

DEFINITION OF RULING ELDER FROM THE BOOK OF ORDER (G-2.0301)

“As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government of the people, so the New Testament church provided persons with particular gifts to share in discernment of God’s Spirit and governance of God’s people. (continue reading)

Resources for Ministry
Links to resources for ruling elder training, books on ruling elder ministries, polity materials, and other useful tools are available here.

Presbyterian Polity, Program, and Mission for All of Us
The meeting of the 224th General Assembly (2020) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Baltimore, MD this summer will be the site of a five day course for ruling elders, Christian educators, and others interested in exploring the rich resources in the Book of Order. Exploring polity in the context of the General Assembly will provide participants a broad understanding of the structure, governance, and mission of the denomination and a vibrant picture of the church at work on the important issues that shape life and faith. This course also meets two course requirements of the PC(USA) educator certification process. More details about cost, registration, and content will be available here in 2020.

Regarding Ruling Elders: A Monthly Series for Serving Faithfully
Ruling elders logoRuling 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 series seeks to lift up the specific responsibilities while also providing an opportunity to reflect upon how they are lived out, including resources that seeks to nurture the spiritual life of leaders. A searchable archive of articles is available at equip.pcusa.org, under “Resources for Ruling Elders”.
 

Ways to Use Regarding Ruling Elders
Articles published as a part of the Regarding Ruling Elders series are meant to benefit ruling elders and other leaders in the church as they serve in ministry throughout the PC(USA).  There are many ways these articles might be used. (continue reading) 

Ruling Elder Network
News of events and items of interest, including notices of new issues of Regarding Ruling Elders, will be sent periodically to members of the network. Click here to signup.