Concepts of representation and visibility often come up in social and political discussions about equity, inclusion, fairness, or justice. These concepts can be wrongly or unwisely imported into the church, a spiritual body with her own ethics, processes, standards, and constitution. Yet there is a pressing need to pursue and prioritize a certain kind of representation and visibility in the church precisely because the church is a society with a particular polity.

The last several years have seen a growing appreciation and promotion of ruling elder involvement in the Presbyterian Church in America. Articles have been written and organizations have been formed to encourage, aid, and inform ruling elders who desire to attend and serve in the higher courts of the church. More and more ruling elders are learning to act as shepherds in their local churches and are being disabused of notions that they are little more than directors on corporate-type boards. For all this progress, there is yet another part of church ministry in which all ruling elders ought to be ready to assist—leadership of corporate worship. Representation and visibility are two reasons they ought to embrace this role. Let me try to explain.

Presbyterian polity (and PCA polity in particular) strikes a wonderful balance between top-down clericalism and bottom-up congregational anarchy. The biblical middle way is that of rule and service by elders (presbyters) of two classes (ruling and teaching), all of whom are elected by (not imposed upon) the members of the church. Teaching elders are also accountable to and approved by the regional presbytery—not just the local session and congregation—for even greater accountability. Ruling elders, like teaching elders, represent and embody Christ’s provision for his church as part of the “ministry of men.” They are part of the “delivery system” for Gospel benefits.

Read more»

Brad Isbell | “The Ruling Elder and the Public Worship of God” | November 15, 2024

RESOURCES

• Subscribe To The Heidelblog!
• Download the HeidelApp on Apple App Store or Google Play
• The Heidelblog Resource Page
• Heidelmedia Resources
• The Ecumenical Creeds
• The Reformed Confessions
• The Heidelberg Catechism
• Recovering the Reformed Confession (Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2008)
• Why I Am A Christian
• What Must A Christian Believe?
• Heidelblog Contributors
• Support Heidelmedia: use the donate button or send a check to

Heidelberg Reformation Association
1637 E. Valley Parkway #391
Escondido CA 92027
USA
The HRA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

Post authored by:

• Brad Isbell

  

  Brad Isbell is a ruling elder at Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Oak Ridge, TN, board member of More In The PCA, co-host of the Presbycast podcast, editorial member of Presbyterian Polity, and treasurer of the Heidelberg Reformation Association.

  More by Brad Isbell ›