Regarding Ruling Elders News Today

‘Leading by listening: Ruling elders and Presbyterian polity’

Regarding Ruling Elders: A Monthly Series for Serving Faithfully

Four new “Along the Road” podcast episodes were released in October, two from the “Encounter” series for mid council and church leaders and two “Nourish” episodes for deacons and ruling elders.

As Presbyterians we understand that the ministry of prayer is an essential aspect of our baptismal calling. In a recent edition of Regarding Ruling Elders, we were reminded that ruling elders—who are charged with the nurture of the congregation—can and should lead the prayers of intercession and supplication (Book of Order, W-3.0308).

The Book of Order reminds us that one of the ways a faithful member gets involved in Christ’s mission is by “lifting one another up in prayer, mutual concern, and active support” (G-1.0304). Upon reflecting on this phrase, “one another” and “mutual” seemed to stick out.

Three recent episodes of “Nourish”—the “Along the Road” podcast series for deacons and ruling elders—feature discussions about the manifold ways church leaders tend to the needs of their congregations, how writing can be a spiritual practice and how worshippers can become more involved in the weekly sermon.