Accordingly, in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), ruling elders are called to “provide for the church’s worship and encourage the people’s participation” (Book of Order, W-2.0303). Through their service on the session, ruling elders:
- make provision for the regular preaching of the Word and celebration of the Sacraments, corporate prayer, and the offering of praise to God in song
- oversee and approve all public worship in the congregation, with the exception of responsibilities reserved for the minister of the Word and Sacrament
- determine occasions, days, times and places for worship
- have responsibility for the arrangement of worship space, the use of special appointments (flowers, candles, banners, paraments, and other objects), and the ministries of music, drama, dance, and visual arts (W-2.0303).
Through these matters of discernment and governance, ruling elders play a vital role in shaping the life and faith of the people of God.
When serving on the church’s session, ruling elders have a voice in shaping patterns for worship and choosing liturgical resources. The Book of Order indicates that the pastor has primary responsibility for the order of worship, with the concurrence of the session. The session has primary responsibility for the selection of hymnals, service books, and Bibles, with the concurrence of the pastor and in consultation with church musicians and educators (W-2.0305).
As spiritual leaders in the community of faith, ruling elders should also have regular opportunities to lead in worship on the Lord’s Day. The PC(USA) Directory for Worship suggests that it is especially fitting for ruling elders to read Scripture (W-3.0303), lead in prayers of intercession (W-3.0308), say a prayer of dedication for the church’s offering (W-3.0411), serve the bread and cup at the Lord’s Supper (W-3.0414), and speak the charge at the conclusion of worship (W-3.0502).
Beyond these activities, ruling elders may take on additional responsibilities around the preaching of the Word and celebration of the Sacraments. The Book of Order maintains that ruling elders should “cultivate an ability to teach the Word when called upon to do so” (W-2.0303). It describes the role of ruling elders in presenting candidates for Baptism on behalf of the session (W-3.0404). It allows for presbyteries to “authorize and train ruling elders to administer the Lord’s Supper in the absence of pastors” (W-3.0410). And it provides for ruling elders to be commissioned for particular pastoral service in a local congregation (W-2.0303, G-2.1001).
Ruling elders often serve as members of a church’s worship committee. In this capacity, they can offer valuable insights, contributing to long-range plans for seasons of the year, designing services for particular occasions, developing strategies to strengthen congregational participation, and sharing feedback on the church’s practices of worship.
Finally, ruling elders are called to help congregations understand the theology and practice of Christian worship. The Book of Order notes that ruling elders serving on the session are “responsible for educating the congregation about the church’s worship, in order to facilitate their full and active participation” (W-2.0305). To that end, it recommends the regular study of the Directory for Worship, the latest edition of which was streamlined and simplified with this purpose in mind.
Thanks be to God for the ministry of ruling elders, leaders in worship and service for the PC(USA).
For Reflection:
- In your congregation, how are ruling elders involved in the oversight of worship through their service on the session? How do they teach about the theology and practice of worship?
- In your congregation, how are ruling elders engaged in worship leadership during the Service for the Lord’s Day? How might these roles be enhanced or expanded?
- If you were called upon to “teach the Word” (W-2.0303), what would you say?
- In what other ways might you fulfill your calling to “provide for the church’s worship and encourage the people’s participation” (W-2.0303)?
The Rev. Dr. David Gambrell is associate for worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). He was co-editor of the 2018 Book of Common Worship and an advisor to the 2013 Glory to God hymnal committee.
Throughout 2026, monthly Regarding Ruling Elders articles will focus on some of the foundational aspects of ruling elder service and spiritual leadership in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
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.
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