Resources for
Ruling Elders and Other Church Leaders
Find information to support you in your leadership and service within the church and presbytery
​Elders, Your Voice Matters: Consider Serving as a Commissioner
As leaders in Christ’s Church, our ruling elders are entrusted with both spiritual discernment and missional responsibility. One powerful way elders can live out this calling is by serving as a Commissioner to the Presbytery.
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But what does that mean—and why does it matter? When an elder serves as a commissioner, they represent their congregation at our three presbytery assemblies during the year. There, they listen, speak, vote, and help make decisions that shape the life, ministry, and witness of our presbytery and the broader Church.
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Commissioners aren’t just observers—they’re participants. They help discern God’s direction for the Church in areas such as mission priorities, leadership development, social witness, congregational support, and more. This shared discernment is one of the unique strengths of our Presbyterian polity, where ministers and elders serve side by side in mutual responsibility and spiritual leadership.
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By participating in presbytery meetings, elders:
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Strengthen the connectional nature of our Church
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Bring the wisdom and voice of the local congregation into broader discernment
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Receive insight into the wider work of the Church
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Deepen their own discipleship and spiritual growth
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It’s a powerful reminder that we are not alone in ministry. We are part of something larger—a connectional church bound together in Christ for faithful witness in the world.
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If you are a ruling elder who feels called to serve, or if you simply want to learn more about what being a commissioner involves, we invite you to speak with your pastor. Your gifts, your voice, and your faithful presence matter more than you may realize.
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Let’s continue to shape the Church together—in faith, in fellowship, and in service.
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New Elder Orientation to Presbytery Assembly Meetings
Elder Commissioner Report Template
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Leader Formation Resources from PC(USA)