Regarding Ruling Elders - Service to God

Ruling elders in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have the distinct joy and privilege of hearing faith stories from those seeking membership within the congregation and those being called to serve in leadership. Some of these faith journeys may include specific activities undertaken within the community of believers, including memories of when they were youth on mission trips, attended conferences or participated in spiritual retreats. These recountings are often beautiful testaments to lasting hope among those working alongside their faith siblings on service projects and working together for a common good to bring justice to God’s kin-dom here on earth.

Within the Foundations section of the Book of Order, F-1.0202., we are reminded that “Christ calls the Church into being, giving it all that is necessary for its mission in the world, for its sanctification, and for its service to God” (emphasis added). The Church is called to serve.

As important as it is for ruling elders to focus on governing — staffing, budget and attending to the building — the main purpose of the Church is not only to worship God but also to serve in the world.

Serving others was one of Christ’s greatest gifts to those around him. He led by example. Ruling elders, too, are called to serve by example, but that does not mean doing the whole work of the church alone. Instead, it is a gift to invite others to serve in community and experience the joy of that service.

After the Covid pandemic, the session of First Presbyterian Church in Brownsville, Texas, began offering monthly Service Sundays, “where what we hear in Scripture is lived out in community.” The Service Sunday worship is abbreviated while still holding true to the Presbyterian order of worship. The congregation meets at the usual worship time and then moves from the sanctuary to various service projects, returning for a benediction. 

While these monthly Service Sundays were first organized to give the staff a chance to catch their breath after working tirelessly to provide meaningful worship while the congregation was shuttered at home, the program’s impact on the community became evident and those participating have appreciated another opportunity to make a difference in the world. 

Families with young children appreciate a service that includes serving with their children. Visitors comment that this gives them a chance to meet the congregation while working alongside them. Younger members agree this is an excellent opportunity to invite their friends who may be nervous about attending church in a formal setting. 

Ruling elders promise to lead with energy, intelligence, imagination and love. That is worth sharing through prayers and acts of love; our prayers in worship should, as Frederick Douglass wrote, “have legs.” 

For Reflection:

• Are you leading by example, inviting others to join you in God’s reconciling work?
• How might God be calling you to help lead your congregation in ways of service to others?
• How does your congregation provide opportunities for service/mission work together in your community and in the world?

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Sheri Dittman is a commissioned ruling elder serving First Presbyterian Church in Brownsville, Texas. She has served as Moderator of Mission Presbytery and Co-Chair of the newly formed Ministry Vitality Task Force. She completed her Master of Arts in Christian Education at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia.

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.).

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