In 2014, Ministry Education and Support within the Office of the General Assembly established a recurring monthly column called Regarding Ruling Elders which sought to address the particular responsibilities, experiences, and needs of those called to serve the church as ruling elders. Now, Regarding Ruling Elders celebrates its 10th year, a notable achievement amidst an ever-revolving door of resources, initiatives, and projects developed to support churches in the intervening years.
“When I encounter healthy congregations of any size, I meet ruling elders who understand that their call is not to be on a board of directors but to be spiritual leaders along with the minister,” reflected the Rev. Gradye Parsons, who served as Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) from 2008 to 2016. “Spiritual leaders tend to want to learn how to be more effective and faithful.”
The story of the feeding of the 5,000 in Mark 6 starts with the disciples coming to Jesus and asking him to send the people away to buy food for themselves. Jesus responds to this well-meaning advice by saying, “You give them something to eat” (Mark 6:37). The disciples look at the crowd and then look at what they have to offer, and their response to Jesus is basically, “It’s not enough!”
