What is a Ruling Elder?
January 10, 2023
Dear CPC Family,
One of the identifying marks of a Presbyterian church—in fact, it’s even hidden in the name—is leadership by elders.
Our church has two kinds of elders: ruling elders and teaching elders. A future letter will talk about the role of teaching elders—also called pastors. But this letter focuses on ruling elders—an amazing blessing from the Lord to Corona Presbyterian Church, to you, and to your family.
Be sure to read on to the end for a chance to get to know our own ruling elder, Brent Murphy!
What is a Ruling Elder?
The idea of a special office dedicated to the leadership and government of God’s people goes back to the Old Testament:
Moses, other leaders, and the “70 elders of Israel” go up to worship the Lord in Exodus 34.
Along with priests, prophets, and kings, local government was often in the hands of lay elders. See, for example, the decision making in Ruth 4:2 with Boaz and “ten men of the elders of the city.”
The husband of the Proverbs 31 woman was “known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land” (Proverbs 31:23)
Even before the New Testament, God’s people were governed locally (and sometimes regionally and nationally) by elders who were laymen of maturity, wisdom, and godliness.
This office continues into the New Testament:
In Acts 15:6, when a theological and pastoral controversy erupted, “the apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.”
Before Paul left Ephesus, he “called the elders of the church to come to him.” (Acts 20:17)
The Pastoral Epistles (especially 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and and Titus 1:5-9), contain instructions on the qualifications for elders.
The church no longer has apostles or prophets, but God has provided for the well-being, health, workers “work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.” (2 Corinthians 1:24)
What do Ruling Elders do?
To borrow from our Book of Church Order’s Form of Government, Ruling Elders:
With the session (the pastor and the elders together), “lead the church in the service of Christ.”
“Watch diligently over the people committed to their charge,” especially their doctrine and Christian life, even to the point of church discipline with the session, if necessary.
“Visit the people, especially the sick.”
“Instruct the ignorant, comfort the mourning, and nourish and guard the children of the covenant.”
“Pray with and for the people.”
“Have particular concern for the doctrine and conduct of the minister of the Word and help him in his labors.”
All of these duties are centered on the ruling elder’s call to be a shepherd—to love, lead, equip, and care for God’s people as one who follows the great shepherd, Jesus Christ. What a blessing faithful ruling elders are to Christ’s church!
With these weighty responsibilities, it’s no surprise that ruling elders “should be sound in the faith and of exemplary Christian life, men of wisdom and discretion, worthy of the esteem of the congregation as spiritual fathers.” (Form of Government 10.2)
Getting to Know CPC’s Ruling Elder
I am so thankful that the Lord provided a ruling elder for CPC in Brent Murphy! Brent was installed in November 2022 but served faithfully at another church in our presbytery, Calvary OPC La Mirada, before the Murphys came to CPC. Even though you know him and can talk to him at church—you can always learn something new. So I asked Brent to respond to a few questions for us all to get to know him better. Thank you, Brent, for your responses and your faithful service to CPC!
How did you become a Christian?
My story from childhood is a bit messy, but when I was 18 years old I came to the realization I was a sinner and I needed the forgiveness found in Christ. The Lord led me to a local Christian church where I was baptized and worshiped for 4 years. Although I'm the only Christian in my family of origin, the Lord has remained faithful in leading and maturing me.
How did the Lord bring you to CPC?
Our family was looking for a church closer to our home. A ruling elder from our previous church, Larry McHargue, called me and recommended CPC. He had heard really good things about CPC and spoke highly of its leadership.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Habakkuk 3:17-19:
Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
GOD, the Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet like the deer's;
he makes me tread on my high places.
Other than the Bible, what book has most shaped your Christian life?
A book that comes to mind is Knowing God by J.I. Packer.
What are you praying for CPC in the coming year?
Spiritual growth, steadfast faithfulness to God, an increase in love for one another, and membership growth.
What do you do in your spare time?
I like gardening. There isn’t always time every year to keep a garden, but when able I really do enjoy it. I also really like spending time with my family.
Let’s pray with and for Brent, and the whole CPC session, to lead well, to shepherd faithfully, and to love CPC with the love of Jesus Christ!
In the Father’s love,
Pastor Andrew