Christ Presbyterian Church

Life and Character

The Lord of the Church, Jesus Christ, has given three offices to the Church. These are: Teaching Elders, Ruling Elders, and Deacons. In higher courts, Teaching and Ruling Elders are also known as Presbyters or Commissioners and share in the governing of the Church. These offices are not indications of special pre-eminence by those who hold them, but rather indicate a call to service, to ministry, to special discipleship and the evidencing of the fruit of the Spirit in every part of life.

Qualifications

According to Scripture, those who bear the office of Ruling Elder should be mature believers, led by the Holy Spirit, who exhibit a manner of life that conforms to the biblical description of an officer in Christ’s Church

Responsibilities

The entire life of the local church is under the oversight and supervision of the Session. The Session is composed of the Pastor and Associate Pastor(s) and all the Ruling Elders on active service. The Pastor and Associate Pastor(s) are full members of the Session and have the privilege of voting.

The authority to govern is exercised jointly by church courts in ascending gradation. Each Ruling Elder, by virtue of ordination, individually exercises the responsibility of order.

1. Ruling Elders should study and learn the Word. They should become equipped to teach the Word, lead worship and prayer, and may be invited or commissioned to supply the ministry of the Word where none is available.
2. Ruling Elders, as Undershepherds, should visit the sick, the bereaved, the lonely, the aged, the shut-in, and all those who have a pastoral need. In cases where there is a special need, the Ruling Elder shall be careful to inform the Pastor.
3. Ruling Elders have a special responsibility to see to the development of the children of the congregation, to inquire after the inactive members, to encourage new members in spiritual development, and to otherwise show care for those whom they serve.
4. Ruling Elders should be attentive to themselves and church members, guarding against dangers to the faith and to dangers to the moral life of believers. They are also responsible to warn, admonish, and reclaim those who stray. Where it is deemed necessary, such situations should be brought to the attention of the Session for appropriate action in accordance with the Book of Discipline.

Training and Preparation

Time Commitments

Those who serve well must be prepared for such service, and it is the responsibility of the Session to provide adequate opportunity for those elected to office to prepare

The Session shall make provision for courses of instruction in the following matters: Church government, the Sacraments, the Faith of the Church, the Worship of the Church, the Discipline of the Church, the History of the Church, and an understanding of the office to which one is elected.

The Session shall confer with each person elected to office in the local church to determine if that person feels called to office and is willing to serve faithfully. The Session shall examine candidates for ordination to the office of Ruling Elder or Deacon on 1) personal experience of the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ and progress in spiritual growth, 2) theology and Sacraments of the Church, 3) the government, discipline, worship, and history of the Church, and 4) an understanding of the office to which one is elected.

• Attend Leadership Training prior to Ordination/Installation. (TBA)
• Be examined by the Session.
• Attend Leadership Summit (usually Friday/Saturday in March/April).
• Attend worship and be involved in a small group
• Attend 1 monthly Session meeting (3rd Thursday of the Month).
• Serve as needed and able at the Presbytery level.
• Serve and participate as needed in the life of CPC.
• 3-year team (ordination is for life, but you actively serve on the Board for 3 years).