Training
Leaders are formed, in their faith and within their service in the church. Following the identification of gifts and confirmation of call, nomination and election to deacon and ruling elder occur within the congregation. Preparation for these roles and continued ecclesial formation also typically occurs through the local congregation or mid council but resources to assist are available.
COMING ALIVE IN CHRIST
Training for PC(USA) Ruling Elders & Deacons based on the constitutional questions
Now available at https://equip.pcusa.org/.
This multi-session resource, delivered through Equip, the PC(USA)’s online training site, is created for the study by and training of those serving as ruling elders and deacons. Based on the theological principles of the constitutional questions asked and answered in ordination, study guides are provided for leaders using a monthly format to last throughout the year and for a three-session retreat format. While the English version is available now, translations into Spanish and Korean which include cultural adaptations will be added in the coming months.
TheoAcademy
What is ordered ministry and why is it important to the Presbyterian Church? What does one need to know to be an effective leader in the Presbyterian church? Produced by the Synod of Mid America, these videos will explore and answer these and other questions about ordained leadership in the Presbyterian tradition.
SERVING AS A RULING ELDER
This three-session study provides a comprehensive overview of the role and responsibilities of a ruling elder.
Creating Ruling ELder Training
A slide deck for pastors and other church leaders as they think about what might be included in preparing ruling elders to serve.
Additional Training Resources
Opening Doors to Discipleship - An online series of courses in the Presbyterian/Reformed tradition to help leaders be effective in their ministries. While the courses are geared toward those in teaching ministries of the church, several of the modules are very appropriate for those serving in the ordered ministries of ruling elder and deacon.
The Session Ref: A Training Film - Members of a mock Session help us understand how meetings can run more smoothly. Please note: the motion made by “the funny guy” to table the issue of fixing the organ was improper. The correct motion would be to postpone indefinitely. Also note that the discussion following the motion to table was improper, including the maker’s explanation of his thinking. A motion to table, unlike a motion to postpone indefinitely, is not debatable. A flag was not thrown for either violation.
"Confession Matching Game" - Formatted cards to cut apart and use to match aspects of a creed to its title, available here. (need to add Barmen Confession to this resource)
“Councils of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)” - Download a chart and descriptions of the four councils of the church and their roles.
“Big God Big Questions: Infographics” - Created for use with the PC(USA) confirmation curriculum, these 16 colorful posters include information on the creeds, church history, the sacraments, the Bible, and much more. Great for ruling elder training and hanging on the wall of the Session meeting room. These posters are available in a full printed set ($25) and a downloadable version.