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Ruling Elders (New)

 

What is a Ruling Elder?

Definition 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. Accordingly, congregations should elect persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having demonstrated skills in leadership and being compassionate in spirit. Ruling elders are so named not because they “lord it over” the congregation (Matt. 20:25), but because they are chosen by the congregation to discern and measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life. Ruling elders, together with ministers of word and sacrament, exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships.” 



Regarding Ruling Elders

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 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. Throughout 2023 and 2024, monthly Regarding Ruling Elders articles will alternate between a deep dive into the ways ruling elders discern and measure the life of a congregation through the ministry of members and stories about how ruling elders are using their call and gifts as they move about within and beyond the walls of the congregation. The full article archives by topic are available in EnglishEspañol and 한국어.



Resources for ruling elders

  • Boundary Training
    In response to the requirement of all councils, including sessions, to implement policies that include boundary training at least every six months (G-3.0106), resources are available from our partners in the Insurance Board and Praesidium Inc. Please note that most of these trainings are free but the training resources do not use the term “boundary training” in the titles. Rather, they are specific to the types of abuse that the congregation would like to avoid and to recognize when abuse happens.
  • Employment Guidance for Sessions and Session Personnel Committees
    A guide to assist sessions with personnel processes and policies. Explores topics such as hiring and oversight of staff, roles of various individuals and groups in the process, and compliance with civil law—with reflections on Presbyterian theological perspective and our commitment to equity and inclusion. It is designed for congregations of all sizes.
  • 10 things Ruling Elders Should Know
    An article published by the Presbyterian Outlook that remains important and timely.
  • Serving as a Commissioner at Meetings of Presbytery
    (example of resources from mid councils that can be submitted for sharing)


Publications


More InfoRMATION for Ruling Elders & Deacons
Along the Road Podcast Training Info "Each Christian Has a Calling" Hymn Spiritual Leadership
Polity, Constitution & Constitutional Interpretation  Webinars Additional Resources Parliamentary Procedure
 Parliamentary Motions Guide  Presiding at Baptism  Presiding at the Sacraments   

 

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