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Holy Week resources and reflections

“Four presbyters and a church”

Editor's note: This is the fourth in a series of stories entitled: "What is a Presbyterian Elder?"  (link to 'For Church Officers' articles)

The word "elder" in the Greek New Testament is presbuteros (for the biblical background see Part 1 in the April 25, 2005 issue). And the question is this: How many different kinds of presbyters are there in the PC(USA)?

The answer "one" is correct from an initial perspective. All elders are called by Jesus Christ and are united in one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. They serve one worldwide church. What is more, anyone who is ordained an elder remains so for life unless he or she requests release from office by the session (G-14.0211), joins another denomination, or is temporarily or permanently removed from office for an offense (D-12.0000).

In another sense there are two different kinds because there are elders in every congregation who serve various functions. Elders who are currently on the session are what used to be called "ruling" elders, but all other ordained elders in the congregation are still able to serve the Lord's Supper, and be commissioners, committee members, or officers of higher governing bodies (G-10.0102 p; 14.0203).

Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of stories entitled: “What is a Presbyterian Elder?”  (link to ‘For Church Officers’ articles)

The word “elder” in the Greek New Testament is presbuteros (for the biblical background see Part 1 in the April 25, 2005 issue). And the question is this: How many different kinds of presbyters are there in the PC(USA)?

The answer “one” is correct from an initial perspective. All elders are called by Jesus Christ and are united in one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. They serve one worldwide church. What is more, anyone who is ordained an elder remains so for life unless he or she requests release from office by the session (G-14.0211), joins another denomination, or is temporarily or permanently removed from office for an offense (D-12.0000).

In another sense there are two different kinds because there are elders in every congregation who serve various functions. Elders who are currently on the session are what used to be called “ruling” elders, but all other ordained elders in the congregation are still able to serve the Lord’s Supper, and be commissioners, committee members, or officers of higher governing bodies (G-10.0102 p; 14.0203).

The distinction enters a third level with the realization that the Book of Order clearly defines two different kinds of presbyters, elders in the congregations, and ministers of the Word and Sacrament. Both offices in the church can be traced to the same biblical roots, so it is correct to say that ruling elders, elders not on the session, and pastors are all presbyters. 

But there is a fourth category of presbyter we may often ignore. Since all elders have perpetual terms (G-14.0203, see above), many congregations have elders (and pastors) who were not ordained locally but have moved to the church and community over the years. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that benefits the church they now attend. Their presence reminds us that whenever new elders are trained and ordained in a particular congregation they are not ordained just for service there but are called by Christ for the whole Body, wherever they reside, as long as they live.

How many kinds of presbyters does it take to run a Presbyterian church? At least four, with the power, help, and grace of God.

 

Earl S. Johnson Jr. is pastor of First Church, Johnstown, N.Y. and adjunct professor of religious studies at Siena College.

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