Ruling elder training manual

A self-directed course for leadership at Edgewater Presbyterian Church

Foundations of our calling

The theology of ordination

Ordination is a gift to the Church. It is the formal recognition that God has called you to a specific task. We believe that through prayer and the laying on of hands, the Holy Spirit strengthens you for the duties of your office. It is not about personal status, but about being set apart for the sake of the Gospel.

Biblical roots of the elder

The role of elder has deep roots in Scripture. From the seventy elders who helped Moses to the presbyters who led the early Christian communities, the Bible describes a model of leadership where the burden of care and governance is shared among several people rather than resting on one individual.

Power vs. authority

In the Church, your authority is not the same as worldly power. Worldly power is often forced, but ecclesiastical authority is granted by Christ through the Church. You lead not by demand, but by inviting others into the vision that the Session has discerned together through prayer.

Recognizing spiritual gifts

Your calling includes the task of "gift-hunting." You are responsible for observing the members of the congregation and identifying where God has given them talents. Whether it is a gift for teaching, administration, or compassion, an elder helps connect people to ministries where they can thrive.

Constitutional questions

When you stand before the congregation to be ordained or installed, you will answer a series of questions. These questions are your vows. They confirm your faith in Jesus Christ, your acceptance of the Scriptures, and your promise to serve the Church with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love.

Calling and election

Presbyterians believe in an orderly call. First, God nudges the heart. Second, the nominating committee and the congregation recognize those gifts through an election. Finally, the Session ordains the individual. This process ensures that leadership is a communal decision rather than a personal ambition.

The concept of parity

Parity is the belief that ruling elders and teaching elders (pastors) are equal. In our system, no pastor can overrule the Session, and no elder is "below" the pastor. We work together as colleagues, each bringing different but equally important perspectives to the table.

Witness to the Resurrection

An elder's primary spiritual posture is one of hope. You are called to be a witness to the Resurrection in every meeting and interaction. This means looking for how God is bringing new life out of difficult situations and reminding the congregation of the hope we have in Christ.

History of the ruling elder

The office was essential to the Protestant Reformation. John Calvin and other reformers wanted to ensure that the people had a direct voice in the government of the Church. You represent the vital connection between the everyday life of the world and the spiritual life of the congregation.

Leadership as service

The model for the elder is the "servant leader." Just as Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, an elder is called to lead with humility. You are not a manager of a business; you are a shepherd who cares for the flock by putting their needs and the mission of Christ first.

Experience: The weight of the call Maria was asked to find new leaders. Rather than looking for business resumes, she prayed and identified a quiet member with a gift for peace-making. This member eventually led the congregation through a split. Maria learned that ordination starts with identifying gifts God has already placed in the pews.
Experience: The representative trap Diane was asked by members to stop a new song. She felt pressure to be their voice, but she listened to how the song reached new families. Diane learned her job was not to win for her friends, but to help the Session see the whole picture of what God was doing in the Church.

Discussion questions

  1. How does the idea of parity (equality between elders and pastors) change your view of church leadership?
  2. In what ways do you feel called by God specifically, apart from being elected by the congregation?
  3. Which of the constitutional questions do you think will be the most challenging to live out?

Navigating the Book of Order

The four parts of the constitution

The PCUSA Constitution is made of two volumes. The first is the Book of Confessions, containing our historical statements of faith. The second is the Book of Order, which contains the rules for how we live together. Understanding that our rules are based on our faith is essential for every elder.

Using the index effectively

The Book of Order is a large manual, but you don't need to memorize it. Learning to use the index and the paragraph numbering system allows you to find answers quickly. Whether the question is about baptism or a budget, the manual is designed to be a helpful reference tool.

The Preliminary Principles

These principles are the foundational beliefs of our government. They state that "God alone is Lord of the conscience" and that the Church has the right to set its own standards for leadership. These principles protect our freedom to follow Christ without outside interference.

Decently and in order

This phrase is the guiding star of Presbyterian polity. It means that we value transparency and fairness. By following a set order, we ensure that decisions are not made on a whim or by a small clique, but through a process that respects the whole community.

Protecting the right to dissent

Presbyterians value the individual conscience. Our rules allow for members and elders to disagree with a decision. You have the right to have your "no" vote recorded or to file a dissent. This ensures that the Church remains a place where honest conviction is respected.

The role of the Moderator

The pastor usually serves as the Moderator of the Session. Their job is to facilitate the meeting and ensure the rules are followed. They are not the "boss" of the meeting; they are the servant of the process, helping the Session reach a clear decision.

Defining a quorum

A quorum is the minimum number of elders required to hold a legal meeting. This rule prevents a tiny group of people from making major decisions when most of the Session is absent. It is a safeguard for the integrity of the congregation's government.

Legal status of the congregation

The Church is both a spiritual body and a legal entity. As an elder, you help navigate how our congregation follows the laws of the state (like contracts and taxes) while remaining faithful to the laws of the Church as found in the Book of Order.

The role of Trustees

In many congregations, the Session also acts as the Board of Trustees. While the Session handles spiritual matters, the Trustees handle the physical assets of the Church, like the building and the endowment. It is important to know which "hat" you are wearing during a meeting.

Parliamentary procedure as a tool for peace

We use Robert's Rules of Order not to be stuffy, but to be fair. These rules ensure that everyone has a chance to speak, that only one thing is discussed at a time, and that the majority rules while the minority is protected.

Experience: The power of the process Deborah used a point of order to calm a heated property debate. This allowed Sarah to cite the Book of Order and avoid a legal mistake. They learned that rules are a safety net for relationships.
Experience: Protecting the conscience Elena dissented on a policy. The pastor ensured her right to private judgment was respected. Elena felt heard even though the motion passed. They learned that unity is not uniformity.

Discussion questions

  1. Why do you think "God alone is Lord of the conscience" is such an important principle for us?
  2. How can parliamentary procedure actually help us be more loving toward one another?
  3. When should a Session consult the Book of Order versus making a decision based on common sense?

The Session and collective discernment

The practice of holy listening

Holy listening is a spiritual discipline. It means listening to your fellow elders with the expectation that God might be speaking through them, especially the ones you usually disagree with. It requires putting aside your own agenda to truly hear another's heart.

Moving from debate to discernment

In a debate, someone wins and someone loses. In discernment, everyone wins because the goal is to find the "mind of Christ." We move from arguing about our personal preferences to asking together, "What is God's will for Edgewater?"

Reaching consensus without coercion

Consensus does not mean everyone is 100% happy. It means that everyone has been heard and the group has found a way forward that they can all support for the sake of the Church's peace. It avoids leaving half the room feeling defeated.

Managing the budget spiritually

A church budget is a theological statement of our priorities. Every line item—from the pastor's salary to the light bill—is an investment in ministry. Elders learn to oversee the finances as stewards of God's resources rather than just accountants.

Overseeing Christian education

The Session is responsible for the spiritual growth of all members. This means choosing curriculum, supporting Sunday School teachers, and ensuring that the congregation is being fed with sound theology that aligns with the PCUSA tradition.

The Session’s role in membership

Only the Session can admit people into membership. This is a joyful duty that involves meeting with new believers, hearing their stories of faith, and officially welcoming them into the life and responsibility of the congregation.

Techniques for conflict transformation

Conflict is not a sign of failure; it is often a sign of passion. Elders learn how to stay in the room when things get difficult, using healthy communication to turn a disagreement into an opportunity for deeper understanding and growth.

Conducting effective meetings

An elder's time is precious. Good meetings are well-prepared, follow a clear agenda, and stay focused on the "big picture." This ensures that the Session's energy is spent on mission and vision rather than getting bogged down in tiny details.

Setting a vision for the future

The Session is the "lookout" for the congregation. While others are busy with daily tasks, the Session asks, "Where is God calling us to be in five years?" This involves strategic thinking, dreaming, and prayerfully setting long-term goals.

The importance of confidentiality

Trust is the currency of leadership. Because the Session discusses sensitive matters, such as personnel issues or individual pastoral needs, elders must maintain strict confidentiality. What is said in the Session room must stay there.

Experience: The third way Chloe suggested a compromise between a roof repair and a mission trip. By refusing an either/or vote, she found a both/and solution that energized the whole Church. She learned that discernment requires patience.
Experience: Leaving the ego at the door Roberta withdrew a garden proposal because she realized the timing was wrong for the church budget. She realized that the health of the whole Session was more important than her individual project.

Discussion questions

  1. How can we make our Session meetings feel more like a prayer service and less like a business meeting?
  2. What is the difference between a "good idea" and a "God idea" for our congregation?
  3. How do we maintain confidentiality while still being transparent with the congregation?

Spiritual oversight and pastoral care

The theology of the Lord's Supper

We believe that at the Table, we are nourished by the real, spiritual presence of Christ. Elders learn that they are not just handing out bread and juice; they are participating in a holy mystery that connects us to God and to one another.

Preparing and serving the elements

There is a holy logistics to Communion. Elders are responsible for ensuring the Table is prepared and the elements are served with reverence. This includes making sure that those who cannot come forward are still included in the meal.

The meaning of Baptism

Baptism is the sign of our entrance into the Church. The Session's role is to authorize baptisms and to promise, on behalf of the whole congregation, to love and support the person being baptized as they grow in their faith.

The ministry of presence

Often, an elder's most important work is just "being there." Whether at a hospital bed or a funeral home, your presence as an ordained leader represents the care of the whole Church. You don't need to have the right words; you just need to show up.

Hospital and home visitation basics

Visiting members who are sick or homebound is a core duty. You learn how to listen, how to offer a short Scripture reading, and how to pray a brief prayer. These simple visits are a lifeline for those who feel disconnected from the Church.

Identifying when a member is in crisis

Elders are the "watchers" for the congregation. You learn to notice when someone's behavior changes or when they stop attending worship. These can be signs of a spiritual or personal crisis that requires a gentle, caring reach-out.

Setting and keeping healthy boundaries

You are a leader, but you are also a human being with limits. You learn how to care for others without taking on their burdens as your own. This protects you from burnout and ensures that you can serve for the long haul.

When to refer to the pastor

Some situations are beyond the scope of an elder's role. You learn to recognize when a member needs professional counseling or deep theological guidance that is best handled by the pastor or a specialist.

Praying with others comfortably

Praying aloud with someone can be intimidating. You will learn simple patterns for prayer that focus on God's love and the person's specific needs. This is a vital skill that brings comfort and peace to those you serve.

Caring for the homebound

Our homebound members are still part of the body. Elders ensure they receive the newsletter, phone calls, and visits. We make sure they know they are not forgotten and that they still have a place in our community.

Experience: Just being there Sarah sat with a grieving widow for 40 minutes and just listened. She learned she did not need to be an expert; she just needed to be a sister in Christ. Her presence alone provided the comfort the widow needed.
Experience: The gift of the cup Joanna served communion to a member with dementia. The member responded by whispering the Lord's Prayer. Joanna realized the sacraments work deeper than the intellect and that God's grace reaches everyone.

Discussion questions

  1. What makes you the most nervous about providing pastoral care to other members?
  2. How can we better identify members who are "falling through the cracks"?
  3. What does it mean to you to "serve the bread of life" to your friends and neighbors?

Accountability and connectionalism

The four councils of the Church

Presbyterians are not independent. We are connected through four levels of government: the Session (local), the Presbytery (regional), the Synod (larger region), and the General Assembly (national). Each level supports and holds the others accountable.

The role of the Presbytery

The Presbytery is the council where ministers and elders from local churches meet to support one another. It is the Presbytery that ordains pastors and provides the primary oversight and resources for our local congregation.

How to be an effective Commissioner

When you are sent to a Presbytery meeting, you are a "Commissioner," not a "delegate." This means you are trusted to vote your conscience as you seek the mind of Christ for the whole region, rather than just doing what your local church wants.

The duties of the Clerk of Session

The Clerk is a vital officer of the Church. They handle the records, the minutes, and the legal correspondence of the Session. Their work ensures that the congregation's business is documented accurately for today and for history.

Maintaining accurate church rolls

Keeping track of our members is a spiritual task. It helps us know who we are responsible for. Accurate rolls also ensure that the Church's statistics are honest, which is a matter of integrity before the whole denomination.

Child protection and safety policies

The Session is responsible for making sure the Church is a safe place for everyone, especially the most vulnerable. This includes background checks, training for volunteers, and clear policies for preventing misconduct.

The PCUSA social witness mission

Our Church believes that faith must be put into action. We learn about how the PCUSA speaks to the world on issues of justice, poverty, and peace, and how our local congregation can join in that larger witness.

The theology of church discipline

Discipline is not about being "punished." It is about the "discipling" of members. It is a process of restoration and healing that helps individuals and the whole Church live more faithfully according to the Gospel.

How councils support local mission

Being part of a denomination means we can do more together. Through our "per capita" and mission giving, we support global disaster relief, new church starts, and local community projects that no single church could do alone.

The legacy of historical records

The records you keep today will be the history of Edgewater 100 years from now. We learn to value our archives as a testimony to God's faithfulness throughout the generations.

Experience: The safety net Linda used presbytery resources to help the youth group go on a trip safely. She learned that being part of a denomination provides shared wisdom and protection that a single church might lack.
Experience: The clerk’s legacy Rachel found old notes from Ruth that saved the church from a legal dispute over an endowment. She learned that taking minutes is an act of stewardship for the future health of the congregation.

Discussion questions

  1. How does being part of a larger denomination help our local congregation grow?
  2. Why is "stewardship of records" (like minutes and rolls) actually a spiritual duty?
  3. What does it look like for our congregation to be a "safe place" for everyone?

Conclusion: Your journey begins

Serving as a ruling elder is one of the most significant ways to live out your faith. It is a role that will challenge you, grow your spirit, and deepen your love for the people of God. As you conclude this training, remember that you are not alone. You serve alongside your colleagues on the Session, supported by the prayers of the congregation and the grace of Jesus Christ.

May you serve with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love. Welcome to the ministry of the ruling elder at Edgewater Presbyterian Church.