Ruling Elders

Introduction Throughout my career as a police officer, I have testified in criminal courts during trials for murder, manslaughter, armed robbery, carjacking, felony assault, human trafficking, and weapon and…

Introduction Every so often a regular concern is raised: Young men are too zealous. They discover the doctrines of grace. They begin reading the Reformers and Puritans. They embrace…

Introduction If you are anything like me, you know that prayer ought to be the simplest, most natural, most easily dispensed pastoral activity of our office. Yet it is…

Introduction There it was—Section III Question G. I knew they would ask: Do you feel you meet the New Testament qualifications for the office for which you are a…

For Dr. Guy Waters’ article on “What Is Biblical Ordination?” For Matt Adams’ article on “Do Deacons Have Ecclesial Authority?” Introduction I write not as a theologian, minister, or…

Introduction Many in the church know that ordination is important, but they may struggle to articulate why that is the case. Ordination is one of the hidden gems of…

*This article is a follow-up from Dr. Guy Waters’ article “What Is Biblical Ordination?“* Introduction In recent years, few debates in the Presbyterian Church in America have proven as…

Introduction In every age, the church of Jesus Christ has faced moments when shepherds needed to step forward, not merely to guard the flock from wolves, but to bind…

Introduction Church revitalization is a Spirit-led, Spirit-dependent return to the ordinary means of grace with renewed zeal, clarity, and love. Ruling Elders (RE) are not spectators to this work—they…

Introduction As I lifted my hands, scanned the room, and gave my first benediction, the realization that I really was a pastor now hit me like a ton of…