FOR RULING ELDERS
Coming Alive in Christ: Training based on the Constitutional Questions
This multi-session resource is created for study by and training of those serving as ruling elders and deacons. Based on the theological principles of the constitutional questions asked and answered in ordination, questions for discussion and reflection are included. Leader Guides are provided; one using a monthly format of one question per lesson and the other using a three-lesson format.
This resource includes leader guides, Power Points, and PDFs of content that can be used for monthly or annual training. The Leader Guides are formatted as monthly guides and a retreat guide with three lessons to be used prior to ordination/installation.
Materials are free and accessible through the link above.
Regarding Ruling Elders: A Monthly Blog
A monthly series for serving faithfully. 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 within and beyond the walls of the congregation. These articles could be used for conversation and reflection at Session meetings.
You can sign up to have the series emailed to you.
Growing as Ruling Elders
As Christians, we are in a continuous process of growth in relationship with God, each other, and self. This is especially true of those who are called as ruling elders and deacons. The Presbyterian Church (USA) invests in ruling elders and deacons by offering new resources on a regular basis in a variety of formats.
Leadership Formation Webinars
As ruling elders and deacons serving in local congregations across the denomination, webinars give us an opportunity to gather together virtually and in the presence of other leaders who walk alongside us on this formation journey.
Recent topics have included:
Leading by Listening: Ruling Elders and Presbyterian Polity
Reclaiming Our Calling: Deacons & Ruling Elders and the Care of Souls
Breaking the Myth of Presbyterian Fear of the “E” Word (Evangelism)
Practicing Inclusion
Good Stewards of God’s Grace
Parliamentary Procedure for Leaders
For upcoming webinars and to watch previous webinars
Along the Road Podcast
Ministry in the church can be life-giving and life-changing and, in the midst of it, we all need faithful companions along the road. The second season of Along the Road – a podcast on faith and leadership for ministry leaders of the PC(USA) – is available now. Stream episodes on your favorite streaming service or get more information and listen here.
Resources for Ministry
Resources to help you include a list of resources for Ruling Elder Training, Ruling Elder Workshops, books that may be helpful, and a variety of creative resources. In the additional resources link you will find games and songs to further learning, handouts on theology and polity, councils of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and Employment Guidance for Sessions and Session Personnel Committees.