OPC Ruling Elder Podcast

Qualifications for Eldership 1

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Archibald Allison introduces the Biblical qualifications of ruling elders. Archibald is pastor of Emmaus OPC in Fort Collins, CO.

His 1994 article in Ordained Servant (Vol 3, No.4. pages 80-96) is available here.
That article, combined with a subsequent article on qualifications for deacons, is also available as a free CCE ebook here.

Over the next several issues of the ruling elder podcast several men will outline the Biblical qualifications for elders.

Sinclair Ferguson’s comments about the Fruit of the Spirit in proper proportion can be found on Things Unseen here.

Archibald’s Book Recommendations

Following God Fully: An Introduction to the Puritans, by Joel Beeke and Michael Reeves, Reformation Heritage Books, 2022.
Devoted to God's Church: Core Values for Christian Fellowship by Sinclair Ferguson, Banner of Truth, 2020.
The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance―Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters, by Sinclair Ferguson, Crossway, 2016.

Photo by Alberto Bigoni on Unsplash

Serving at GA and Presbytery

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400

The Rev. Everett Henes, Moderator of this year's General Assembly, reflects on moderating the Assembly and the place and importance of ruling elders participating in the higher assemblies.

GA Reports on various subjects can be found here.

This year's GA had 87 ministers and 52 ruling elders, for a total of 139 voting members.

Everett’s Recommended Books

Carl Trueman, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution, Crossway, 2020.
J C Ryle, Thoughts for Young Men, Banner of Truth.
Bryan Chapell, The Hardest Sermons You'll Ever Have to Preach: Help from Trusted Preachers for Tragic Times, Zondervan, 2011.

Elders and Term Limits

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Ruling Elder Keith LeMahieu talks about term eldership. Keith is a ruling elder in Bethel OPC, Oostburg, WI. He serves on the GA Committee on Home Missions and Church Extension, and the Committee on Coordination. Many of the listeners will know him from his work on planned giving.

The Form of Government of the OPC puts the matter of elder's tenure into the hands of local congregations. Fg. XXV. 2. “Each congregation shall determine, by vote of communicant members in good and regular standing, to choose elders or deacons for either lifetime service or limited terms of service on the session or board of deacons.”

Further Reading

Ordained Servant

“Some Thoughts on Term Eldership.” (John R. Sittema) 13:1 (Jan. 2004): 14-16. Available here.

The Presbyterian Guardian

John Murray, The Ordination of Elders: Some Arguments against Term Eldership. The Presbyterian Guardian, Vol 24. No. 2, (Feb. 15, 1955), pp. 23-25. Available here. An expanded edition of this article was published in the Collected Writings of John Murray, Vol. 2, pp. 351-356
Ned B Stonehouse, May We Prohibit Term Eldership? The Presbyterian Guardian, Vol. 24, No. 5, (May 16, 1955), pp. 75-77. Available here.

Keith’s Recommended Books

Martin Bucer, Concerning the True Care of Souls (Banner of Truth).
David Dickson, The Elder and His Work (P&R Publishing).
William Boekestein and Steven Swets (Editors) Faithful and Fruitful: Essays for Elders and Deacons (Reformed Fellowship).

The Elders of the People

Fri, 15 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

The Ruling Elder Podcast speaks to Drew Gordon about his book 'The Elders of the People: Leadership in Christ’s Church' (Grassmarket Press, Pittsburgh, PA, 2025).

Drew is a ruling elder in the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America, serving in Covenant Fellowship RP church in Pittsburgh PA, and is publications director for Crown and Covenant Publications.

Other books in the series mentioned in the podcast;

Written on the Heart: The Law of God by Stephen Steele
Remember the Poor: Cultivating a Heart of Generosity by Peter Smith
Worship, Feasting, Rest, Mercy: The Christian Sabbath by Daniel Howe
Together: Why We Need the Local Church by Gabriel and Isaac Wingfield

Other books in the series can be found at Grassmarket Press

Drew’s recommended books.

Timothy Z. Witmer, The Shepherd Leader: Achieving Effective Shepherding in Your Church (P&R Publishing, 2010)
Lawrence R. Eyres, The Elders of the Church, (P&R Publishing, 1975)
Leonard Stob, Mission Directed: Governing your Christian School with Purpose (Kindle Ebook)

Archibald Allison’s OS article on Biblical Qualifications for Elders can be found here. (Ordained Servant — Vol. 3, No. 4, pp. 80-96)

Ruling Elders and Sabbaticals

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Rev. Brett McNeill and ruling elder Steve Ethridge of Reformation Presbyterian Church, Olympia, WA, talk about the work of ruling elders before, during, and after a pastor’s sabbatical.

Information on the Committee on Ministerial Care’s grant can be found here, and their policy example (Appendix A) can be found here.

Brett’s reflections on his sabbatical can be found here.
The CMC’s video is available here.

Brett’s recommended books.

Paul Tripp, Awe: Why It Matters for Everything We Think, Say, and Do (Crossway, 2015, 2025).
Gerhard Forde, On Being a Theologian of the Cross: Reflections on Luther's Heidelberg Disputation, 1518 (Eerdmans, 1997).
Zach Eswine, Sensing Jesus: Life and Ministry as a Human Being (Crossway: 2013) or The Imperfect Pastor: Discovering Joy in Our Limitations through a Daily Apprenticeship with Jesus (Crossway, 2015)

Steve’s recommended books

Steve Baugh, The Majesty on High: Introduction to the Kingdom of God in the New Testament (2017)
Octavius Winslow. Any title by Winslow.

The Shorter Catechism

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0400

Dr. Stephen Fix talks about John Thomson’s An Explication of the Shorter Catechism. Thomson was an early American presbyterian who played an important part in American Presbyterian history. Dr. Fix is his seven-times great grandson.

This work is important for two reasons, first, it is representative of Old Side Presbyterianism during the first Great Awakening, and second, it is an excellent catechism on the catechism itself. Ruling elders will find the history just as helpful as the approach to explaining the catechism.

John Thomson, An Explication of the Shorter Catechism, edited by Dr. S. A. Fix, with an introduction to John Thomson and his work. (Westminster Seminary Press 2025).

For more information on Robert Letham on the Covenant of Redemption see his book The Westminster Assembly: Reading Its Theology in Historical Context, pp. 235-6, (and fn. 34.), P&R, 2009

Dr. Fix’s book recommendations.

The Bible. (Especially recommended is the Crossway ESV with Creeds and Confessions)
Zach Keele and Michael Brown, Sacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored (2nd Ed), Reformed Fellowship, Inc. 2019. (Available in Kindle)
Robert H. Thune, Gospel Eldership: Equipping a New Generation of Servant Leaders, New Growth Press, 2016

Blessed be the tie that binds...Seminaries and Ruling Elders

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 23:00:00 -0500

Dr. David Garner, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, talks about the relationship between seminary and church, focusing on how ruling elders and seminary professors can help the church thrive in godly knowledge and grace.

You can read Dr. Garner's article “Strings Attached: The Church, The Seminary, and Abraham Kuyper’s Animating Ecclesiology” in the most recent Westminster Theological Journal, WTJ 87 (2025): 123-48. A video of the Krahe Lecture from April 2025, is available to watch online here.

Dr. Garner’s recommended reading.

The Wonderful Works of God by Herman Bavinck, Westminster Seminary Press, 2020.
The Certainty of Faith by Herman Bavinck, Westminster Seminary Press, 2025.
A Word Fitly Spoken, A Theology of Communication by Aaron Garriott, Ligonier, 2025.
An Explication of the Shorter Catechism by John Thomson, Edited by S. A. Fix, Westminster Seminary Press, 2025.

Life in the Afternoon

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Ruling Elder Podcast we review a new book by Christopher Ash, Not Old, Not Young, Not Done. Following Jesus in Your 50’s and 60’s. (The Good Book Company, 2025, 192 pages). Available in paperback and Ebook.

Also recommended:

Derek Prime, A Good Old Age. An A to Z of Loving and Following the Lord Jesus in Later Years. (10Publishing, 2017)
J. I. Packer, Finishing our Course with Joy. Guidance from God for Engaging with Our Aging. (Crossway, 2014)

The Pastor's Pay (Or Don't Muzzle the Ox)

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the ruling elder podcast John Fikkert draws attention to the excellent Pastoral Compensation Tool made available by the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care.

The Pastoral Compensation Tool is available here.

John’s recommended reading

Ordained Servant
2026 Tax Prep Guide for Churches and Clergy (Downloadable PDF) by Richard R. Hammar and Elaine Sommerville. Expected release date is Jan 1st 2026. Available here.
The Politics of Ministry: Navigating Power Dynamics and Negotiating Interests by Bob Burns, Tasha D. Chapman, Donald C. Guthrie,, IVP, 2019.
The Clay Pot Conspiracy: God’s Plan to Use Weakness in Leaders, by Dave Harvey, New Growth Press, 2025.

Quotes on Experience in the Christian Ministry
From Alexander Whyte, Bunyan Characters

“…pastors who are indeed to be pastors after God's own heart have all to pass into their pastorate through the school of experience.”
“Preaching after God's own heart, and pastoral work of the same divine pattern, cannot be taught in any other school than the school of experience.”
“Whenever I hear a single unconventional, immediate, penetrating, overawing petition or confession in a minister's pulpit prayer or in his family worship, I do not need to be told out of what prayer-book he took that. I know without his telling me that my minister has been, all unknown to me till now, at that same school of prayer to which his Master was put in the days of His flesh…”
“What a quantity and what a quality of experience is needed to take a raw, light-minded, ignorant, and self-satisfied youth and transform him into the pastor, the tried and trusted friend of the tempted, the sorrow-laden, and the shipwrecked hearts and lives in his congregation! What years and years of the selectest experiences are needed to teach the average divinity student to know himself, to track out and run to earth his own heart, and thus to lay open and read other men's hearts to their self-deceived owners in the light of his own.”
“Let no minister, then, lose heart when he is sent back to the school of experience. He knows in theory that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, but it is not theory, but experience, that makes a minister after God's own heart.”

Considering Pastoral Ministry

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Craig Troxel talks about how ruling elders can help men consider a call to pastoral ministry.

A call to pastoral ministry has several parts, one is the internal sense of call, another is the recognition of the church, the actual call to a congregation or mission work. Ruling elders help shepherd men in both and in this podcast we discuss the early stages of recognizing a call, or even encouraging men to consider if they are called.

Discussion centers around Charles Bridges, The Christian Ministry: With an Inquiry into the Causes of its Inefficiency, (Banner of Truth Trust). See especially Chapter VI, The Qualifications of the Christian Ministry, pp. 24-31.

Craig quotes John Newton, "Beware, my friend, of mistaking the ready exercise of gifts for the exercise of grace." (Letter #5 - "On the Snares and Difficulties attending the Ministry of the Gospel") Works of John Newton, vol.1 (Banner of Truth Trust, 2015) p. 108.

See also Newton's letter Marks of a Call to the Ministry.

We highly recommend Craig's own book,

A. Craig Troxel, With All Your Heart: Orienting Your Mind, Desires, and Will toward Christ, (Crossway, 2020).

Craig's Recommended Reading

John Calvin, Institutes Of The Christian Religion, translated from the first French edition of 1541 by Robert White, Banner of Truth Trust. (Especially Chapter 17, The Christian Life)
Campegius Vitringa, The Spiritual Life, trans. and ed. by Charles K. Tefler, Reformation Heritage Books.
John Flavel, The Fountain of Life: A Display of Christ in His Essential and Mediatorial Glory, Vol. 1 of the Works of John Flavel, Banner of Truth Trust.
John Flavel, The Method of Grace In the Gospel Redemption, Vol 2 of the Works of John Flavel, Banner of Truth Trust.

Spiritual Life and Mental Health

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Pastor Shane Lems talks about his recent Ordained Servant review of John Swinton’s book Finding Jesus in the Storm: the Spiritual Lives of Christians with Mental Health Challenges. (Eerdmans, 2020). Shane is pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Hammond, Wisconsin.

Read the review and read the book. The review can be found here.

The Ruling Elder Podcast on Prescription Medication with Jason Poquette (Season 2, Episode 6, June 2024) is available here.

Shane’s book recommendations
Lost Connections by Johann Hari (Bloomsbury USA, 2018)
The Wonderful Works of God by Herman Bavinck (Westminster Seminary Press, 2020)
Rediscovering the Holy Spirit: God’s Perfecting Presence in Creation, Redemption, and Everyday Life by Michael Horton (Zondervan, 2017)

Shepherding Military Families

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Ruling Elder Mike Cloy talks about how ruling elders and churches can support and shepherd military families. Mike served in a career of 27 years that included combat commands at the battalion and brigade level, and having served and retired in the rank of full colonel.

Mike speaks of the dedication to service and the pressures it places upon those serving, and their families. He speaks of the deep bonds formed in combat and of the importance of elders and churches reaching out to those in military service with the good news of Jesus and the power of the gospel.

To read more about Mike (and a pair of night-vision goggles) see Christopher H. Wisdom’s article, “A Chaplain in the Lord’s Service” in New Horizons, (Feb, 2020).

Mike’s recommended reading…
A. Craig Troxel, With All Your Heart: Orienting Your Mind, Desires, and Will toward Christ, Crossway, 2020.
Nick Thompson, Growing Downward: The Path of Christ-exalting Humility, Reformation Heritage Books, 2022.
Nick Thompson, Restless Devotion: An Urgent Call to Godward Discontentment, Reformation Heritage Books, 2025

If you would like to contact Mike his email address is opcmikecloy@gmail.com

Foreign Missions

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Ruling Elder Joe Jager talks to the Ruling Elder Podcast about Foreign Missions. He gives excellent suggestions on how to encourage missions and missionaries. Matthew 9:37-38
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Post Production Joe recommends the following books as impactful on his walk as a Ruling Elder:

The Elder: Today’s Ministry Rooted in All of Scripture by Conelis Van Dam (a friend from the Canadian Reformed Churches) P&R Publishing 2009
- Provides a biblical foundation for the office of elder.
The Elder and His Work by David Dickson, P&R Publishing, 2004
- Good practical guide. Of course all such manuals must be carefully adapted and used in specific local situations.
The Elders Handbook: A practical Guide for Church Leaders by Gerard Berghoeg and Lester De Koster Christian’s Library Press: Grand Rapids Michigan 1979
- This was my first introduction when I was ordained as an elder in a Canadian Reformed Church. It provides some very practical guidance for new elders. There is also a companion volume entitled The Deacons' Handbook: A Manual of Stewardship by the same authors.

Assurance of Faith

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Rev. Andy Wilson and Rev. Russell Hamilton talk about Assurance and how The Marrow of Modern Divinity is helpful in untangling this perennial pastoral issue. They clarify of what, exactly, are we assured, what is the relationship between faith and assurance, and how are ruling elders to help people in the search for assurance?

As Donald MacLeod says, "A believer can doubt his faith without doubting the Saviour.” (From the Marrow Men to the Moderates, Scottish Theology 1700-1800, p.99)

For more on the Marrow of Modern Divinity listen to the earlier podcast, Christ Freely Offered, (Season 2, Episode 12), Available here.

Mental Health, Faith, and Caring Well (Part 2)

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 23:00:00 -0400

In this episode the Rev. Adrian Crum speaks about mental health and faith with the Rev. John Fikkert, a mental health counselor and Director of the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care, and his wife, Dr. Lindsay Fikkert, a psychologist at Pella Counseling.

This episode is the second part of a republication of the recent Reformed Deacon podcast, (with their kind permission). We have divided the original podcast into two parts.

Mental health is a tender thing. An episode or a chronic mental health illness can be distressing for the person, their family, and congregations.

The soul cries, as the Psalmist did, Psalm 88:1–2
[1] O LORD, God of my salvation,
I cry out day and night before you.
[2] Let my prayer come before you;
incline your ear to my cry! (ESV)

Mental Health, Faith, and Caring Well

Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This episode is a republication of the recent Reformed Deacon podcast, (with their kind permission). We have divided the original podcast into two parts. Part 2 will be published next month. (D.V.)

Mental health is a tender thing. An episode or a chronic mental health illness can be distressing for the person, their family, and congregations.

The soul cries, as the Psalmist did, Psalm 88:1–2
[1] O LORD, God of my salvation,
I cry out day and night before you.
[2] Let my prayer come before you;
incline your ear to my cry! (ESV)

Encouraging Covenant Youth

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 01:00:00 -0400

The Ruling Elder Podcast talks with Roger Wagner and David Winslow about ruling elders encouraging covenant youth. One of the tasks of ruling elders, as set out by BCO X:3, is that ruling elders should "nourish and guard the children of the covenant”.

Rev. Roger Wagner, now a retired minister, was ordained to the ministry in 1973, serving ten years at Sonora, then he became pastor of Bayview OPC in Chula Vista, California in 1983 where he served for the next forty years until his retirement. Ruling Elder David Winslow has served as a ruling elder for over forty years in Westminster OPC, in Westminster CA and was interviewed for this podcast in April 2023.

Books and Articles Mentioned

Kevin DeYoung, The (Not-So-Secret) Secret to Reaching the Next Generation, Crossway, 2024
Carl R. Trueman, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution, Crossway, 2020
Eric Watkins, "Where Have the Children Gone? A Reflection Upon OPC Identity and a Postmodern Generation", Ordained Servant, Vol 12, No. 3, pages 50-51. Available here.
John Murray, Christian Baptism, P&R Publishing.
Lewis Bevens Schenck, The Presbyterian Doctrine of Children in the Covenant: An Historical Study of the Significance of Infant Baptism in the Presbyterian Church, first published in 1940. Republished by P&R Publishing, 2003.
Gerard Berghoef and Lester De Koster, The Elders Handbook, A Practical Guide for Church Leaders, 1979.
Robert S. Rayburn, “The Presbyterian Doctrines of Covenant Children, Covenant Nurture and Covenant Succession.” Available here.

Elders and women's ministry

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Anneke Fesko and Laurie Tricarico discuss how elders can encourage women in the church.

Anneke currently serves the OPC as Care Coordinator for Ministers’ Wives and works for the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care. (Committee of Walking Hugs) She is married to John, an ordained OPC minister and theology professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. They have three children, two sons in high school and a daughter in elementary school, and live in Madison, Mississippi.

Laurie serves as the coordinator of the Crisis Care Team at New Life OPC in Williamsport PA, where she is a member. She and Al and their children served as foreign missionaries in Uganda for 11 years. Al presently serves as the Associate General Secretary for the Committee on Home Missions and Church Extension of the OPC. They have 5 grown children and seven grandchildren. Al and Laurie live in Williamsport, PA.

Recommended Books

J. Ligon Duncan and Susan Hunt, Women’s Ministry in the Local Church, Crossway Books, 2006.
Paul Tripp, Awe: Why It Matters for Everything We Think, Say, and Do, Crossway Books, 2015
Patricia E. Clawson and Diane L. Olinger, eds., Choosing the Good Portion: Women of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

Christian Education and Ruling Elders

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 17:00:00 -0500

Danny Olinger, General Secretary of the CCE, talks about ruling elders and Christian Education. The OPC cherished the work of Christian Education and quickly developed specific principles of Christian education and pedagogy to guide its work. Those principles are available here and will provided a stimulating starting point for the continuing importance of Christian Education in the churches.

Danny’s three book recommendation for ruling elders are,

R. B. Kuiper, The Glorious Body of Christ, (Banner of Truth)
Edwin H. Rian, The Presbyterian Conflict.
John Calvin, The Institutes of Christian Religion.

A Program For Christian Education (1945) - Available here
Outline
I. Subjects
A. Covenant subjects
1. Communicant
2. Non-communicant
B. Non-covenant subjects

II. Aims
A. General
1. Noetic: knowing the doctrine
a. Bible history
b. Theology
c. Ethics
d. Church government and usages
2. Experiential: adorning the doctrine
a. Saving faith
b. Growth in grace
(1) Worship (inc. Sabbath Observance)
(2) Obedience
(3) Use of the means of grace
(4) Realization of the fruit of the Spirit
(5) Christian witnessing and service
B. Applied
1. With respect to covenant relation
2. With respect to age, ability, background

III. Method
A. Requirements of method
1. Sound in principle
a. Scriptural
b. Pedagogically and psychologically sound
2. Efficient in operation
a. Conserving time
b. Utilizing best means available
B. Specific applied methods
1. Specific teaching types
2. Aids to teaching.
3. Expressional activities

IV. Program
Problems of integration
A. Chiefly designed for covenant subjects
1. Guided parental instruction
2. Pastor's instruction of covenant youth
3. Teacher and leadership training program
B. Chiefly designed for non-covenant subjects
1. Sunday Bible school
2. Weekday classes
3. Club program
4. Evangelistic meetings and propaganda
C. Dual-purpose programs
1. Weekday religious education
2. Vacation Bible school
3. Summer Bible conference
4. Young People's Society
5. Home Study programs

The Use of Pictorial Representations of Christ in the Work of Christian Education

Available here.

Christ Freely Offered

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 18:00:00 -0500

Rev. Andy Wilson and Rev. Russell Hamilton talk about The Marrow of Modern Divinity, an old book that wrestles with the free offer of Jesus Christ to sinners, and questions of law and assurance. This lively old book continues to be relevant to ruling elders in helping people with questions of faith, freedom from the law, legalism, and assurance. Gospel preaching is vital to gospel churches.

Further Reading on the Marrow

Edward Fisher, The Marrow of Modern Divinity, (Christian Focus, 2016). This edition includes explanatory notes by Thomas Boston, an introduction by Philip Ryken, and an historical introduction by William Vandoodewaard.
Andy Wilson, The Marrow of The Marrow of Modern Divinity (Expanded Edition): A Simplified Version of Edward Fisher's 17th Century Classic.
Sinclair Ferguson, The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance―Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters. (Crossway, 2016)
Donald Macleod, From the Marrow Men to the Moderates, Scottish Theology 1700–1800. (Christian Focus, 2023)
William VanDoodewaard, The Marrow Controversy and Seceder Tradition: Atonement, Saving Faith, and the Gospel Offer in Scotland (1718–1799). (Reformation Heritage Books, 2014)
David C. Lachman, The Marrow Controversy 1781-1723: An Historical and Theological Analysis (Rutherford Studies in Historical Theology)

Andy’s three books

Harrison Perkins, Reformed Covenant Theology: A Systematic Introduction (Lexham Academic, 2024)
John Murray, Redemption, Accomplished and Applied
Richard Sibbes, Glorious Freedom: An Exposition, Puritan Paperback (Banner of Truth Trust; 2nd ed. edition, 2024)

Russell’s three books

Richard Sibbes, The Bruised Reed, (Banner of Truth Trust; 2nd ed. edition, 2021)
Timothy Keller, Walking with God through Pain and Suffering, (Penguin Books; Reprint edition 2015)
Thomas Boston, Human Nature in its Fourfold State, (Banner of Truth; Reprint edition, 1964)

Encouraging the Pastor's Wife

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 01:00:00 -0500

In this podcast Anneke Fesko talks about how ruling elders can encourage a pastor’s wife. Anneke was hired a little over two years ago for the newly created position of Care Coordinator for Ministers’ Wives and works for the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care. (Committee of Walking Hugs)

Anneke is the wife to John, an ordained OPC minister and theology professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. They were married 22 years ago while John was a church planter for the OPC. They have three children, two sons in high school and a daughter in elementary school, and live in Madison, Mississippi.

Ginger Dennison, wife of the late OPC pastor Charlie Dennison says,
“Pastors' wives…will sometimes agree on one thing: they are no different than anyone else in the congregation. They have no special responsibilities, no different obligations, no uniqueness. In fact, when asked what it's like to be a pastor's wife, they will reply, "I'm NOT a pastor's wife! I'm just a wife, no matter what my husband does for a living.” The Uniqueness and Challenges of the Minister's Wife, Ordained Servant Online, May 2010. Available here.

More Resources

New Horizons, mailed to every OPC member and available online here.
OPC, Committee on Ministerial Care.

Anneke’s three recommendations for every Ruling Elder.

Patricia E. Clawson and Diane L. Olinger, eds., Choosing the Good Portion: Women of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 2016. Available here.
Megan Hill, A Place to Belong: Learning to Love the Local Church, Crossway, 2020.
Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People. First published 1936, Simon & Schuster.

Thanks for listening to the Podcast.

Encouraging Congregational Singing

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Jonathan Cruse talks about how Ruling Elders can foster and energize congregational singing.

Further Reading
Resources by Jonathan

Jonathan Landry Cruse, What Happens When We Worship, Reformation Heritage Books, 2020.
Jonathan Landry Cruse, “What Every Elder needs to Know About Congregational Singing” in Faithful and Fruitful, Essays for Elders and Deacons, Eds. William Boekestein and Steven Swets, Reformed Fellowship Inc. 2019.

Books mentioned in the podcast

Jonty Rhodes, Reformed Worship (Blessings of the Faith), P&R Publishing, 2023.
Ligon Duncan, Does God Care How We Worship? P&R Publishing, 2020.

Jonathan’s three recommendations for every Ruling Elder

Thomas Watson, The Godly Man’s Picture, Drawn with a Scripture Pencil, or, Some Characteristic Marks of a Man Who is Going to Heaven, Banner of Truth Trust.
David Dickson, The Elder and His Work.
The Westminster Directory for Public Worship (The Westminster Directory for Public Worship discussed by Sinclair B. Ferguson and Mark Dever is currently out of print.

Two examples of John Wesley's Directions for Singing.
IV. Sing lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being heard, than when you sung the songs of Satan.

VII. Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to this attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your Heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve of here, and reward when he cometh in the clouds of heaven.

Ruling Elders and Better Preaching

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 23:00:00 -0400

What can ruling elders do to promote better preaching?
On this issue of the Ruling Elder podcast, John Currie, OPC pastor and Professor and Dean of Pastoral Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, discusses why this is so important and gives practical suggestions on how and when to do it, and, just as importantly, how not to do it.

The OPC Form of Government says “[Ruling Elders] should have particular concern for the doctrine and conduct of the minister of the Word and help him in his labors.” (Fg. X.3)

Several resources are also available online at Ordained Servant.

“What Ruling Elders Can Do to Promote Better Preaching.” (Edwin J. Kreykes) 11:2 (Apr. 2002): 40-42. https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV11N2.pdf
“How to Assess a Sermon: A Checklist for Ruling Elders.” (William Shishko) 12:2 (Apr. 2003): 43-44. https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV12N2.pdf
“What Is Faithful Preaching?” (Alan D. Strange) 27 (2018): 25-30. https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=686

Ruling Elder Spotlight: David Watson, EPC (Ireland)

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

David Watson is a ruling elder in Ballyclare Evangelical Presbyterian Church, in Co. Antrim, N. Ireland. The EPC, (Ireland), is a church with which the OPC has full ecclesiastical fellowship. Stephen Tracey grew up in that congregation and is delighted to talk to this faithful and beloved friend and mentor as he reflects on eighty years of life in one congregation, and current issues in church life in N. Ireland.

In the podcast reference is made to a short book, A Good Work, Reflections on the Eldership in Everyday Life and Ministry. This book is not available in the USA.

David's three recommended books for ruling elders are:
The Westminster Confession of Faith.
Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology.
J. I. Packer, A Quest for Godliness, The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life.

Covenant Theology

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 23:00:00 -0400

Ryan McGraw talks about his new book, What Is Covenant Theology?: Tracing God's Promises through the Son, the Seed, and the Sacraments.

Ryan is the Morton H. Smith Professor of Systematic Theology at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and serves as Teacher at Covenant Community OPC, Taylors SC.

Are Israel and the Church Two Distinct Peoples of God?

Ryan’s recommended reading

John Owen, Communion with God. The full title is “Of Communion with God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Each Person Distinctly, In Love, Grace, and Consolation; or The Saints’ Fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Unfolded.”
Augustine, On Christian Doctrine.
Herman Witsius, The Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man: Comprehending a Complete Body of Divinity.

For more on Covenant Theology in Ordained Servant see the following,

Gregory Edward Reynolds, “Clarity on the Covenants." Ordained Servant, 15 (2006): 22-27. Available here.
Richard B. Gaffin, Jr., “Covenant and Salvation.” Ordained Servant, 18 (2009): 145-49. Available here.

Prescription Medication

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Jason Poquette is a ruling elder in Immanuel Chapel (OPC), Upton, MA. He is a Pharmacist and works in Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA. In this podcast he discusses how ruling elders can help Christians understand the proper use of medication, its limits, the difficulties of end of life decisions, and the place of Christians in the modern healthcare system.

Jason's three book recommendations;
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress.
John Calvin, A Little Book on the Christian Life.
R. C. Sproul, Surprised by Suffering: The Role of Pain and Death in the Christian Life.
(And anything else by R. C. Sproul!)

Sanjay Patel: Ruling Elder Spotlight

Wed, 15 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

On Sept. 5, 1986, Sanjay was onboard Pan Am Flight 73. It was hijacked by the PLO in Karachi, Pakistan. Sanjay survived, but was seriously injured, including subsequently undergoing the amputation of a leg. His cousin was the first person killed by the hijackers. 22 people died. Listen to his account of how God worked all things for good and brought new life out of the horror of a terrorist attack.

As an elder he now asks people in their suffering to think—what glory will God have from this? (Sanjay is a ruling elder in Theophilus Orthodox Presbyterian Church, a multi-generational and multi-ethnic church, in Anaheim CA.) https://www.theophilusopc.org

Sanjay’s three recommended books;
Prayer by O. Hallesby, (Augsburg Books, Updated Edition,1994)
Making Sense of God: Finding God in the Modern World by Timothy Keller (Penguin Books, 2018)
J-Curve: Dying and Rising with Jesus in Everyday Life by Paul Miller (Crossway, 2019)

Natural Law and Ruling Elders

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Gregory Reynolds interviews David VanDrunen about his latest book, Natural Law: A Short Companion, (B&H Academic, 2023, 160 pages).

For more on Natural Law in Ordained Servant see the following;
David VanDrunen, “Natural Law in Reformed Theology: Historical Reflections and Biblical Suggestions.” OS 21 (2012): 32-38. Available here.

Nelson D. Kloosterman, “A Biblical Case for Natural Law: A Response Essay.” OS 16 (2007): 101-7. Available here.

David VanDrunen, “VanDrunen in the Hands of an Anxious Kloosterman: A Response to a Review.” OS 16 (2007): 107-13. Available here.

Gregory Edward Reynolds “Education, Natural Law, and the Two Kingdoms” OS 21 (2012): 14-17. Available here.

Ruling Elders and Faithful Work

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Stephen Tracey talks with Joshua Klein about work and flourishing, being faithful and loving in response to God.

Joshua A. Klein is a ruling elder in Pilgrim OPC, Bangor ME. He is editor-in-chief of Mortise & Tenon Magazine. He has presented about historic craftsmanship at museums around the United States and has written articles for Fine Woodworking, Popular Woodworking, and American Period Furniture. Joshua is author of four books, including Joined: A Bench Guide to Furniture Joinery (Mortise & Tenon, 2020), and Worked: A Bench Guide to Hand-Tool Efficiency (Mortise & Tenon, 2022). He also serves as Associate Fellow in Mechanical Arts at Greystone Theological Institute. Joshua, his wife, and their three sons are currently restoring an 1821 cape on the coast of Maine.

Further Reading
On Work
Leland Ryken, Work and Leisure in Christian Perspective
Timothy Keller, Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work
Daniel Doriani, Work: Its Purpose, Dignity, and Transformation

On Typology
G. K. Beale, Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament
Sidney Greidanus, Preaching Christ from the Old Testament: A Contemporary Hermeneutical Method
Alistair Roberts & Andrew Wilson, Echoes of Exodus: Tracing Themes of Redemption through Scripture
(Stephen Tracey also recommends Patrick Fairbairn, The Typology of Scripture )

On Flow in Thought and Work
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience

And maybe take up a craft...

Ruling Elders and Conflict

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Greg Reynolds talks to Stephen Tracey about how ruling elders respond to conflict in the church, whether it is among members, among the session, or with the pastor.

More Resources
“A Training Program for Elders.” (Greg Reynolds & William Shishko) 10:3 (Jul. 2001): 55-58. Available here.

The updated version of this training program titled Let Them Serve is available from Greg upon request. reynolds.1@opc.org

Books on Conflict resolution in the church recommended by Greg:
Marshall Shelley, Ministering to Problem People in Your Church: What to Do With Well-Intentioned Dragons. Bethany House Publishers. 1985, 2013.
Ken Sande, The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, Baker Books, 3rd edition, 2004.
Jay Adams, Handbook of Church Discipline: A Right and Privilege of Every Church Member, Zondervan, 1896.

Greg’s three (he gave 5) books he believes elders must read:
Samuel Miller, The Ruling Elder: The Warrant, Nature, and Duties of the Office in the Presbyterian Church.
David Dickson, The Elder and his Work.
Lawrence R. Eyres, The Elders of the Church.
Gerard Berghoef and Lester De Koster, The Elders Handbook - A Practical Guide for Church Leaders.
The Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms.

Responding to Domestic Abuse

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Stephen Tracey talks to Thomas Crumplar about the issue of domestic abuse. Tom is a ruling elder at Emmanuel OPC in Wilmington, Delaware, and co-founder of the law firm Jacobs and Crumplar, P. A.

The New Horizons edition for February 1997 featured several articles on Domestic violence. It is available here. Also the edition for January 2021, available here.

Suggested further reading:
Jeremy Pierre & Greg Wilson, When Home Hurts: A Guide for Responding Wisely to Domestic Abuse in Your Church, Christian Focus (2021).

Darby A. Strickland, Is It Abuse?: A Biblical Guide to Identifying Domestic Abuse and Helping Victims, P&R Publishing (2020)

Brad Hambrick, Becoming a Church that Cares Well for the Abused, B&H Books (2019).

Autism Friendly Churches

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 18:00:00 -0500

Stephen Tracey interviews his good friends Doug and Liz Babbitt on how elders can welcome, include, and connect with people affected by autism.

We must remember that "the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable" (1 Corinthians 12:22 ESV)

Further reading on Autism and the Church

Grant Macaskill, Autism and the Church: Bible, Theology, and Community (Waco, TX: Baylor University Press, 2019)
See Harrison Perkins’ online review of Macaskill’s book here

Joni and Friends Resources
Welcoming People With Autism: Four Practical Strategies

Learn the Truth About People with Autism and Welcome Them Into the Church

We apologize that due to technical difficulties, the publishing of this episode was belated. Thank you for your patience.

James Gidley: Ruling Elder Spotlight

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Rev. Gregory Reynolds speaks with ruling elder Jim Gidley about his becoming a ruling elder and how he has supported the work of both the local church and the OPC.

As an elder “you are shepherding people to follow their Savior in the day to day rough and tumble of life. You’re not shepherding them to be theological experts at detecting the heresies around them. You’re shepherding people to bear the cross, to keep the commandments and basically to be Christians”

Pray more. “The time you spend speaking to God for your people is more valuable than the time you spend talking to your people for God.”

Mr. Gidley has written many helpful articles for Ordained Servant.

“Biblical Theology and the Session – Part 1: Redemptive History and the Church’s Confession of Faith” 9:2 (Apr. 2000): 35-38.
“Biblical Theology and the Session – Part 2: Redemptive History and the Church Discipline” 9:3 (Jul. 2000): 50-54.
“Biblical Theology and the Session – Part 3: Redemptive History and the Character of the People” 9:4 (Oct. 2000): 72-76.
“Covenant Blessings for Singles.” 19 (2010): 58-61.
“The Education of a Monster” 21 (2012): 86-90.
“The Future of Calvinism” 2:2 (Apr. 1993): 42-47. [reprinted 15 (2006): 79-86]
“A New Stage on the Pilgrimage of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church” 8:3 (Jul. 1999): 63-66.
“Of Creation Days and the Keys of the Kingdom” 9:1 (Jan. 2000): 21-23.
“The Soul of Frankenstein” 16 (2007): 62-65.
“The Theology of Frankenstein: Deism vs. Biblical Theism” 27 (2018): 19-24.
“The Two Cultures: A Lifetime Later” 23 (2014): 103-9.
“Why a Candidates and Credentials Conference?” 21 (2012): 45-52.

Ruling Elders and the Westminster Standards

Sat, 14 Oct 2023 23:00:00 -0400

The ruling elder podcast talks with Chad Van Dixhoorn about the importance of the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms to the work of the ruling elder.
Says Chad, "It is a wonderful gift to be in a presbyterian church that does not try to work around the Standards but deploys them for all their various purposes."

Further Reading
Chad Van Dixhoorn, Confessing the Fatih: A Reader’s Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith (The Banner of Truth Trust)

ESV Bible with Creeds and Confessions (Crossway)

Books mentioned by Chad

On the Shorter Catechism

Thomas Watson, A Body of Divinity (The Banner of Truth Trust)
Thomas Watson, The Ten Commandments (The Banner Truth Trust)
Thomas Watson, The Lord’s Prayer (The Banner of Truth Trust)

On the Larger Catechism

J.G. Vos, The Westminster Larger Catechism, a Commentary (Presbyterian & Reformed)
Thomas Ridgley, A Body of Divinity (out of print)

On the Westminster Confession

Francis R. Beattie, The Presbyterian Standards (out of print)
A.A. Hodge, The Westminster Confession, A Commentary (The Banner of Truth Trust)
Robert Shaw, An Exposition of the Confession of Faith, now titled The Reformed Faith: An Exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith (Christian Heritage, Christian Focus Publications)
R C Sproul, Truths We Confess: A Systematic Exposition of the Westminster Confession Of Faith (Revised Edition, Ligonier Ministries)

How Elders Can Encourage Deacons

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

David Nakhla and Jeffrey Roach talk to Stephen Tracey about how ruling elders can help and encourage deacons. [David is Administrator for the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries, and a ruling elder in Calvary OPC, Glenside, PA. Jeffrey is a deacon in Resurrection Presbyterian Church (OPC), Matthews, NC.]

Topics covered include good communication between elders and deacons, joint meetings, discretion, visitation, and the dangers of being overworked.

The article "A Holy Kind of Chaos" by Rev. T. Nathan Trice is available here

Please also visit the following websites,
The OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries

The Reformed Deacon podcast

This edition of the ruling elder podcast will also be published in an upcoming edition of the reformed deacon podcast.

Further Reading
Cornelis Van Dam: “The Deacon: Biblical Foundations for Today’s Ministry of Mercy” (Reformation Heritage Books)

There are several articles in the archives of Ordained Servant that also may be helpful.

“Balancing Sensitivity and Stewardship in Diaconal Assistance.” 7:3 (Jul. 1998): 67.
“The Biblical Foundation of the Diaconate.” (George W. Knight III) 5:3 (Jul. 1996): 66-68.
“Biblical Qualifications for Deacons, Part 1.” (Archibald Alexander Allison) 6:1 (Jan. 1997): 4-9.
“Biblical Qualifications for Deacons, Part 2.” (Archibald Alexander Allison) 6:2 (Apr. 1997): 31-36.
“Biblical Qualifications for Deacons, Part 3.” (Archibald Alexander Allison) 6:3 (Jul. 1997): 49-54.
“The Deacons.” (John Calvin) 1:1 (Jan. 1992): 21.
“Deacons and/or Trustees?” (Roger Schmurr) 4:1 (Jan. 1995): 20-22.
“Are Deacons Members of the Session?” (R. Dean Anderson, Jr.) 2:4 (Oct. 1993): 75-78.
“If You Are a Deacon.” (Nathan Trice) 23 (2014): 72-77
“The Ministry of Mercy for Today [part 1].” (Peter Y. de Jong) 3: 3 (Jul. 1994): 53-58.
“Organic Officer Training.” (William Shishko) 22 (2013): 69-71.
“The Pastoral Wisdom of John Calvin.” (John Calvin) 3:3 (Jul. 1994): 64-70.
“Pointers for Elders and Deacons, Part 1.” 2:3 (Jul. 1993): 59-64.
“Pointers for Elders and Deacons, Part 2.” 2:4 (Oct. 1993): 79-85.
“Pointers for Elders and Deacons, Part 3.” 3:1 (Jan. 1994): 3-8.
“A Proposed Job Description for a Deacon.” (A. G. Edwards III) 4:1 (Jan. 1995): 3-5.
“Reforming the Diaconate, Part 1.” (William Shishko) 1:2 (Apr. 1992): 43-45.
“Reforming the Diaconate, Part 2.” (William Shishko) 1:3 (Sep. 1992): 63-66.
“Reforming the Diaconate, Part 3.” (William Shishko) 2:1 (Jan. 1993): 16-18.
“Some Old Testament Roots and Their Continuing Significance.” (C. Van Dam) 1:1 (Jan. 1992): 14-21.
“The Spiritual Nature of the Office of Deacon.” (Carl Carlson) 26 (2017): 63-67.
“A Training Program for Deacons.” (William Shishko) 6:3 (Jul. 2000): 62-70.

Protecting Children

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Stephen Tracey talks to Thomas Crumplar about the issue of child sexual abuse. Tom is a ruling elder at Emmanuel OPC in Wilmington, Delaware, and co-founder of the law firm Jacobs and Crumplar, P. A.

Resources:
Christopher W. Shishko, “Volunteers and Your Church: Avoiding Legal Pitfalls” Ordained Servant, 23 (2014): 66-68.

Jonathan W. Shishko, “Improving Upon the Status Quo: Child Safety” Ordained Servant, 23 (2014): 69-71.

Please visit the Ordained Servant Archive for the October 2002 issue.

“Elders and Sexual Abuse – A Pastor’s Dilemma.” Ordained Servant, 11:4 (Oct. 2002): 73-77.

G. I. Williamson, “A Response to the Previous Article.” Ordained Servant, 11:4 (Oct. 2002): 78-79.

Disability

Sat, 15 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Stephen Tracey interviews his good friends Doug and Liz Babbitt on how elders can welcome, include, and connect with people affected by disabilities.

We must remember that "the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable" (1 Corinthians 12:22 ESV)

"People with disabilities need the church, and the church needs people with disabilities."

To begin with, focus on one person or family at a time. We don't need to be experts in any area of disability, simply learning and practicing hospitality is a good start. Listening, connecting gifts with opportunities, and cultivating relationships are all good ways to grow our ministry to, and with, people affected by disabilities.

Elders can help increase awareness by thinking about people with disabilities already connected with their congregation and increasing help and support given, and then looking further afield. Someone has said that people with disabilities are "the largest unreached people group you've never heard of."

"People with disabilities are not a program, they're people" Liz Babbitt.

Resources
Below is a link to one example of disability etiquette. Others are available from different sources.
Disability Etiquette

Hospital Visitation

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Stephen Tracey talks with the Rev. Gordon Cook, (Pastor of Living Hope, OPC, Brunswick, ME, and recently retired as a hospital chaplain) and Dr. Logan Murray, (Pediatric Hospitalist, and Ruling Elder in Living Hope OPC, Brunswick, ME).

This episode is full of practical insights and wisdom on visiting people in hospital, or in hospice care. Jesus reminds us that visiting the sick is one of the marks of his sheep, “I was sick and you visited me…Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:36 & 40.

"One learns to visit the sick by doing it and allowing the patient to be your teacher." Gordon Cook

“None of us do this perfectly. Take the pressure off yourself in terms of aiming for perfection, and go and be the person you are—that's what the person needs. They need you. They need you to be yourself and you have that privilege, so just take it and do it.” Logan Murray.

Recommended Reading
Gordon recommends the following books, though most are not distinctly Reformed, they are all worthwhile.

Carson & Koenig, Spiritual Caregiving Healthcare as a Ministry, Templeton Foundation Press, 2004

Holst, Lawrence, Hospital Ministry, the Role of the Chaplain Today, Crossroad Publishing, 1987.

Oates & Oates, People in Pain Guidelines for Pastoral Care, The Westminster Press, 1985.

Puchalski & Ferrell, Making Health Care Whole, Templeton Press, 2010. (Focused on Hospice and Palliative Care)

Tada, Joni Eareckson & Steven Estes When God Weeps, Zondervan, 1997.

Somewhat related:
Welch, Edward, Caring for One Another, Crossway, 2018.

Taylor, Douglas, I Shall Not Die, But Live Facing Death with Gospel Hope , Banner of Truth Trust 2016.

Ruling Elders and a Pastoral Search

Mon, 15 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Listen to Stephen Tracey interview ruling elder John Muether on searching for a new pastor.

Committee on Home Missions, Guidelines for Congregations to Follow in Discovering, Evaluating and Calling a Pastor:

https://5mt.chmce.org/2011/10/02133343/Pastor-Search-Guidelines.pdf

Looking for a Pastor: https://chmce.org/looking-for-a-pastor/

The Committee on Ministerial Care, Pastoral Compensation Tool:

https://opccmc.org/pastoral-compensation-tool/

From Ordained Servant

G. I. Williamson, “On Calling a Pastor.” 6:2 (Apr. 1997): 26-27.

https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV6N2.pdf#page=4

Jonathan T. Looney, “When It Is Time to Call a New Pastor” 28 (2019): 39-44.

https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=727

Jonathan T. Looney, Review of “When the Word Leads Your Pastoral Search,” by Chris Brauns

https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=728

David Winslow, Jr.: Ruling Elder Spotlight

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 23:00:00 -0400

On this episode of the Ruling Elder Podcast David Winslow, Jr. is interviewed by Danny Olinger, General Secretary of the Committee on Christian Education. David has served as a ruling elder for more than 40 years. He has the following to highlight: “When you are asked to serve and are elected and ordained you are really being asked to serve a particular congregation. That should be the center of your focus.”

Resources:
G. I. Williamson, The Westminster Confession of Faith for Study Classes (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 2003)

Called to Serve, ed. Michael Brown (Grandville, MI: Reformed Fellowship, 2006)

Ordained Servant

By David Winslow

“Elder to Elder: Home Visitation and Family Devotions” 8:1 (Jan. 1999): 19-20. [reprinted 15 (2006): 60-61]. Available here: https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=10

“Elder to Elder: A Sample Sessional Calling Record” 7:2 (Apr. 1998): 29-31. Available here: https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV7N2.pdf

“Elder to Elder: Start those Home Visits Now!” 7:1 (Jan. 1998): 20-21. [reprinted 15 (2006): 58-59] Available here: https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=9

Also on visitation: Derrick J. Vander Meulen, “Shepherding the Flock Through Family Visitation” in Called to Serve: Essays for Elders and Deacons, ed. Michael Brown, Reformed Fellowship, Inc. 2016, pages 213-227.

Other articles on Catechizing available in Ordained Servant.

“A Dozen Reasons Why Catechizing Is Important” (Thomas E. Tyson) 24 (2015): 48-53.

“How Much Catechesis? The Case for a Maximalist Approach to Membership Classes” (Ken Golden) 21 (2012):41-45.

“Pilgrimage in the Mode of Hope: Thoughts on the Usefulness of Catechism.” (Mark A. Garcia) 16 (2007): 79-84.

“The Necessity of a Doctrinal Map” (Gregory Edward Reynolds) 16 (2007): 11-13.

“The Religion of the Catechism.” (D. G. Hart) 16 (2007): 73-78.

Article on Shepherding Pastors

“How Can a Session Shepherd Its Pastor?” (Lawrence Eyres) 8:2 (Mar. 1999): 29-31.

Teaching Adult Sunday School

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Ruling Elder Podcast Danny Olinger interviews ruling elders James Gidley, and Michael Shields on teaching adult Sunday school. Both men have many years of experience and offer wise and practical counsel. For example, Gidley says, “You don’t master Scripture: the Scriptures master you.”

Resources:

Calvin R. Malcor, “Christian Education in the Local Church” Available at https://opc.org/nh.html?article_id=274

Patricia E. Clawson, “Sunday School Roundup” Available at https://opc.org/nh.html?article_id=1035

First Impressions

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

“The privilege of a faithful elder…is to be ‘friends of the Bridegroom’, to be helps and witnesses to the betrothal of sinners to Jesus.” David Dickson, The Elder and His Work

Lawrence Eyres, “How Can a Session Shepherd Its Pastor?” 8:2 (Mar. 1999): 29-31. https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV8N2.pdf

Edwin J. Kreykes,“What Ruling Elders Can Do to Promote Better Preaching” 11:2 (Apr. 2002): 40-42. https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV11N2.pdf

Ryan M. McGraw,“How a Faithful Elder Can Make a Difference: Reflections on the Life and Death of a Friend” 29 (2020): 58-61. https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=856

Gregory Reynolds, “Democracy and the Denigration of Office” 23 (2014): 12-23. https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=398. https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=403

William Shishko, “Lessons from the Life of an Extraordinary Ruling Elder” 16 (2007): 44-46. https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=28

The Gift of Ruling Elders

Sat, 14 Jan 2023 23:00:00 -0500

Hear about why the Orthodox Presbyterian Church's Committee on Christian Education decided to start a podcast for Ruling Elders. We'll be hearing from Dr. A. Craig Troxel, President of the Committee on Christian Education.

Resources from Dr. Troxel

With All Your Heart: Orienting Your Mind, Desires, and Will Toward Christ (Crossway).

OPC Doctrinal Standards Monthly Reading Schedule and Continuous Officer Training: https://nyneopc.org/2023/01/13/elder-training/

Resources in Ordained Servant

“Biblical Qualifications for Elders.” (Archibald Alexander Allison) 3:4 (Oct. 1994): 80-96. https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV3N4.pdf

“The Duties of Elders.” (Daniel R. Hyde) 13:1 (Jan. 2004): 4-7. https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV13N1.pdf

“Elder Self-Evaluation” (Francis E. VanDelden) 22 (2013): 72-73. https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=362

“Eldership in the Balance.” (Charlie Meyers) 10:2 (Apr. 2001): 31-32. https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV10N2.pdf

“How a Faithful Elder Can Make a Difference: Reflections on the Life and Death of a Friend.” (Ryan M. McGraw) 29 (2020): 58- 61. https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=856

“Lessons from the Life of an Extraordinary Ruling Elder.” (William Shishko) 16 (2007): 44-46. https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=28

“Ordained Servants: The Ruling Elder” (Gregory Edward Reynolds) 16 (2007): 9-11. https://www.opc.org/OS/Final_OS_07_text.pdf

“A Training Program for Elders.” (Greg Reynolds & William Shishko) 10:3 (Jul. 2001): 55-58. https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV10N3.pdf

“Qualifications for Ruling Elders: An Historical Survey.” (Mark R. Brown) 10:3 (Jul. 2001): 65-66. https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV10N3.pdf