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In my experience, one of the most surprising aspects of involvement in the ministry of Christ’s church for many new members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is the realization that it entails “living responsibly in the personal, family, vocational, political, cultural and social relationships of life.” (G-1.0304)

While certain expectations, such as personal responsibility, are commonly emphasized in Christianity — such as living with kindness, respect, and compassion — others may not be as immediately apparent. Family plays a pivotal role in our Christian journey, as reflected in our baptismal vows, which include commitments from parents, the baptized individual, and the congregation to support, nurture, and guide one another in faith.

Moreover, our vocational life is integral to our Christian calling. Vocation is God’s call that extends far beyond professional occupations to encompass all aspects of life. We are called to serve God in every facet of our existence.

While these expectations align with common Christian beliefs, Presbyterians extend their understanding of responsibility further. As leaders, we must encourage church members to view their lives as encompassing active participation in their communities. This includes considering voting as a reflection of beliefs, advocating for justice, and engaging in dialogue about public policies just as we read Scripture and pray.

Similarly, responsible living extends to cultural engagement. We are called to honor God's creativity and imagination by respecting the various cultures we encounter, promoting dialogue, peace, understanding, and celebration. As the family of God, it is our responsibility to engage with those who are different from us, recognizing the face of Jesus in every individual we encounter.

Living responsibly in all these dimensions serves as our testimony to the teachings we receive from Jesus Christ. Ruling elders hold a significant role in guiding members across all facets of life and ministry. Our faith transcends mere personal belief, family values, or vocational callings; it intertwines with every relationship we hold as human beings on this earth and permeates every aspect of our existence.

Among other aspects of your ministry, in your call to serve as a ruling elder you can:

  • Offer spiritual guidance and pastoral care. Lead Bible studies and spiritual formation groups.
  • Support families through the planning of retreats and fellowship events. Provide intergenerational worship experiences. Open spaces for parenting classes and to give rest to overwhelmed parents.
  • Encourage members of all ages to find the ways they are being called to use their gifts. Be a mentor.
  • Facilitate dialogue about political issues, looking at Jesus for examples of justice, peace, and love. Encourage and model responsible civic participation.
  • Celebrate cultural diversity within the congregation and the community. Plan educational events, book studies, intercultural exchanges, and lead the work for racial and ethnic reconciliation and understanding. Understand power differentials, assuring that leadership is diverse. Study privilege.
  • Lead by example, engaging in community service and social justice. Organize outreach programs, provide opportunities for volunteerism, and help members engage in social issues from a faith perspective.

As followers of Jesus, we need to understand the complexities of the world, and how we are called to its multifaceted expectations.

For Reflection:

  • What does it mean for you, as a leader of the church, to think about Christianity as a way of being in the world that is simple, nonviolent, shared, and loving? How does that impact your way of looking at your responsibility and calling as a ruling elder?
  • How can ruling elders effectively guide and support church members in living responsibly in their personal, family, vocational, political, cultural, and social relationships? What other examples can you provide in your own context?

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, 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 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.”