The faithful service of the ruling elder is most valuable. Paul says, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching” (1 Tim 5:17). One of the most important things Paul did was to appoint elders “in every church” (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). There were elders at the Jerusalem synod (Acts 15:2). The synodical letter went out in the name of the Apostles and the elders (Acts 15:23). It was the council of elders, who ordained the ministers (1 Tim 4:14). Those in the congregation who are ill are to call the elders for prayer (James 5:14). Such is the high calling of the ruling elder that God’s Word sets high standards for those elected and ordained (Titus 1:6–9).
Yet, for a variety of reasons, we do not always provide the resources to our ruling elders that me might. With that in mind, we offer this resource page as a help to ruling elders, sessions, and consistories looking for help. Read more»
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R. Scott Clark
R.Scott Clark is the President of the Heidelberg Reformation Association, the author and editor of, and contributor to several books and the author of many articles. He has taught church history and historical theology since 1997 at Westminster Seminary California. He has also taught at Wheaton College, Reformed Theological Seminary, and Concordia University. He has hosted the Heidelblog since 2007.
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Are Deacons considered leadership role as well? I would say according to Titus, yes. Some say no, but this would open up the office to women.
It depends a bit on polity, i.e., the nature of the church government in view but in the Reformed churches deacons have real authority. The case for female deacons is fairly thin and depends almost entirely on inference. Phoebe (Rom 16) may have been a deaconess but more likely she was a servant of the church and a patroness, i.e., she was a wealthy widow who hosted a congregation. She was certainly doing significant work for Paul, who himself had a high view of the role of females in the church. See these:
Thanks, helpful links