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It seems quite natural to think about a new quality of life at the beginning of a new year. As we continue to examine the ways that faithful members are “involved responsibly in the ministry of Christ’s Church” (G-1.0304), it’s appropriate to examine what it means to demonstrate a new quality of life at the same time that we are faced with a turn of the calendar. Does it fit into the most common new year resolutions like losing weight, exercising more, getting more organized, traveling, or reading more? Is that the new quality of life that we are looking for?

In a sermon called “‘Disciple’ is a Verb”, the Rev. Patrick Willson says that “membership is something we do, and not simply something we are.” He says that whenever the Bible speaks about members, it does so to describe a function, as when Paul describes the members of the body in Romans. All these members have a particular gift to do something and are called to teach, to exhort, to give, to lead, to cheer, to comfort, or to act in a way that reflects their God given talent. We are members to do something as part of the body of Christ.

Thinking about this, our focus could be on the word “demonstrate.” How do we demonstrate the quality of life that God wants from us? The Confession of 1967 gives us a clue: “The church disperses to serve God wherever its members are, at work or play, in private or in the life of society. Their prayer and Bible study are part of the church’s worship and theological reflection. Their witness is the church’s evangelism. Their daily action in the world is the church in mission to the world. The quality of their relation with other persons is the measure of the church’s fidelity.” (9.37)

Worship and reflection, witness and evangelism, action and mission, relationship, and fidelity. All these action words demonstrate who we are as followers of Jesus Christ and members of the church. A healthy church includes members who are intentional in demonstrating what the impact of redemption and grace has done in their lives. Ruling elders, then, are to be a part of this great and intentional demonstration, while also called to provide opportunities for members, old and new, to witness and to act in ways that show what their faith has done to transform their lives. Maybe that’s the resolution for a new year.

Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us of the new impact of God’s love each day: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” New impact, new transformation, new reminder, new quality of life each day.

For Reflection:

  • As a leader, what opportunities can you provide so that your church members can engage in demonstrating the influence and transformation that God has had in their lives? What new year resolution can provide such an opportunity?
  • How is your church demonstrating a new quality of life to others? What is the impact that your church is making in the lives of the people who live around your church building? Would anyone from your neighborhood miss your church if it was no longer there?
  • What are the needs that are not being addressed by anyone? With whom can you collaborate to make a new impact? Are there other organizations with whom you can collaborate in your neighborhood?

Marissa Galván-Valle is a minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). She is the senior editor for Spanish Language Resources in the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation and temporary pastor at Beechmont Presbyterian Church in Louisville, an intercultural church that worships each Sunday in Spanish and English. She was ordained as a ruling elder when she was 21 years old.

Throughout 2023 and 2024, monthly Regarding Ruling Elders articles will alternate between a deep dive into the ways ruling elders discern and measure the life of a congregation through the ministry of members (G-1.0304) AND stories about how ruling elders are using their call and gifts as they move within and beyond the walls of the congregation.

Subscribe to receive notifications of monthly Regarding Ruling Elders articles. Visit the PC(USA) Leader Formation website for more resources for ruling elders and deacons. For more information, email Martha Miller, editor of Regarding Ruling Elders.