GRN: Why is it important for Ruling Elders to serve not only their local churches but also their Presbyteries and the General Assembly?
Tobe Hester: Because Christ rules His Church through courts, not personalities. In Presbyterian polity, authority is always shared, and Christ’s wisdom is displayed through a plurality of elders working together. Ruling Elders bring the voice of the local flock into the broader church. When we neglect that calling, decisions about doctrine, mission, and shepherding are made without the perspective of those who walk daily among the sheep. Serving beyond our local congregation is part of our vow to “seek the peace and purity of the church.”
GRN: Why is it important for Ruling Elders to make speeches at Presbytery and General Assembly?
Tobe Hester: Ruling Elders should never underestimate how much their local perspective strengthens our collective discernment. Teaching Elders speak often; it’s part of their regular rhythm. Ruling Elders often speak less, and when they do their comments tend to be rooted in the life of the pews’. That kind of wisdom grounds debate. The church needs more voices that are shaped by the ordinary means of grace, family discipleship, and lay vocations. When Ruling Elders speak, it often reorients the conversation toward shepherding, not strategy or nuance.
GRN: Why is it important for Ruling Elders to serve on committees of Presbytery and General Assembly?
Tobe Hester: Committees are where the real work of the church is done—the careful, prayerful labor of deliberation. Ruling Elders ensure that our committees don’t drift toward professionalization or bureaucracy. They remind us that every motion affects real people, real churches, and real souls. Ruling Elders often bring a practical wisdom and a long-term, relational focus that balances well with the theological and ministerial training of Teaching Elders. The combination is healthy and biblical.
GRN: Some Ruling Elders feel intimidated by Presbytery or General Assembly. What encouragement would you give them?
Tobe Hester: You don’t need to be an expert in polity to be useful; you just need to be faithful. The Lord doesn’t call us to impress but to serve. Every Ruling Elder should remember that he’s there not as an observer but as a shepherd under Christ. The learning curve is real, but it’s worth climbing. If I can be vulnerable, my first GA was 2021 in St. Louis and I served on The Overtures Committee, and it was like drinking from a fire hydrant. But, the Assembly and Presbytery need our presence. If only pastors attend, we lose something vital in our Presbyterian identity and something vital in our PCA roots—the only denomination to be created largely by Ruling Elders. So my encouragement would be: show up, listen well, and speak when the Spirit gives you clarity and conviction. That alone blesses the Church.
GRN: What was the value of having Ruling Elders on the recent RUF national search committee?
Tobe Hester: The search required theological discernment, but it also required practical, organizational, and relational discernment. Ruling Elders tend to think about sustainability, systems, and shepherding. We asked hard questions about leadership structure, accountability, and long-term health. Having Ruling Elders at the table ensured that decisions weren’t only about ministry vision but about stewardship of people, resources, and trust. The balance of gifts between Teaching and Ruling Elders was essential to the unity and thoroughness of the process.
GRN: Sometimes Presbytery and General Assembly feel like gatherings primarily for Teaching Elders. How can they better include Ruling Elders?
Tobe Hester: It starts with intentional hospitality. Teaching Elders can easily assume that Ruling Elders will “catch up” on procedures or culture, but many are stepping into unfamiliar settings. Simple things can include: personal invitations to dinner, including Ruling Elders in prayer groups or informal gatherings, or encouraging them to speak on the floor make a difference. Theological unity deepens when relational fellowship does. I’ve seen this modeled well by many TE’s I’m close with.
GRN: How can Ruling Elders promote better camaraderie with Teaching Elders?
Tobe Hester: We can initiate friendship. It’s easy to assume that the pastors have their own circles, but many long for brotherly encouragement. Reach out. Ask questions about their ministries. Pray for them. Don’t just attend events; engage. When Teaching and Ruling Elders walk together in genuine fellowship, the tone of our courts changes, they become less political, more pastoral. Christ’s gentleness becomes evident in the way we speak and listen to one another.
GRN: Any other thoughts?
Tobe Hester: Presbyterianism is beautiful when lived, not just confessed. Our courts are not merely legislative bodies; they are expressions of the communion of saints. Every Ruling Elder should see his participation as an act of worship and a means of serving Christ’s Bride for her good and His glory. The more we take that seriously, the healthier and more unified our denomination will be.
