I am grateful for H. Carson Rhyne’s article “What’s in a title?” and its attempts at bringing clarity, purpose and function to the titles used in PC(USA) leadership roles. Thorough as it was, I noticed what I consider an important omission: any mention of commissioned ruling elders (CREs) serving in pastoral positions.
At this year’s General Assembly, an amendment proposed changing the title of commissioned ruling elder to commissioned pastor. Considerable debate followed, with most speaking against the motion, which ultimately failed. One minister of Word and Sacrament argued the new title would be confusing.
I do not presume to speak for other CREs serving in pastoral positions, but as a CRE in my third year of pastoring a congregation, I want to address Rhyne’s omission. If we truly wish to clarify what he called “the purpose and intention behind various positions,” I believe the designation commissioned pastor serves that purpose.
The article addressed only installed pastors. That omission causes me to wonder whether CREs carrying out pastoral duties in congregations across our country are considered pastors. Rhyne defined a pastor’s function as one who “preaches and teaches the Word, administers the sacraments and cares for the people.” He also listed pastors “designated for education, mission, or pastoral care,” titles accepted because they clearly describe the purpose of the position.
Related reading: “Polity Matters: What’s in a title?” by H. Carson Rhyne
How clear is the title commissioned ruling elder to our congregations? Is it possible members believe they are being served by someone who must simply “make do” until a real pastor is found? CREs function in the same ways outlined above. We preach and teach the Word, administer the sacraments and care for the people.
CREs most often serve small and rural congregations struggling to find or afford installed pastors. We have no associate pastors to help with education, mission or pastoral care. Some congregations in my presbytery have no administrative assistant, and the CRE prepares and prints the bulletins. One CRE, whose full-time employment is teaching, also serves as her congregation’s pianist.
If we are truly concerned about our titles and the danger of borrowing from corporate hierarchy, are we willing to consider the hierarchy within the leadership of our own denomination? Personally, I am not concerned that we cannot be called ministers, addressed as reverend or wear a clerical collar. I respect the time and financial investment required to become an ordained minister of Word and Sacrament and how that experience translates into higher pay.
In his closing paragraph, Rhyne invites us “to pause and reflect on the language we use.” As he wrote, “When our words reflect function, shared calling, and Christ at the center,” we can build a community more grounded in service. If polity truly matters, might we consider whether the title commissioned pastor could offer greater clarity where CREs remain misunderstood and overlooked as we discern together how to follow Christ?
