OPC Ruling Elder Podcast

In this episode the Rev. Adrian Crum speaks about mental health and faith with the Rev. John Fikkert, a mental health counselor and Director of the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care, and his wife, Dr. Lindsay Fikkert, a psychologist at Pella Counseling.This episode is a republication of the recent Reformed Deacon podcast, (with their kind permission). We have divided the original podcast into two parts. Part 2 will be published next month. (D.V.)Mental health is a tender thing. An episode or a chronic mental health illness can be distressing for the person, their family, and congregations.  The soul cries, as the Psalmist did, Psalm 88:1–2[1] O LORD, God of my salvation,I cry out day and night before you.[2] Let my prayer come before you;incline your ear to my cry! (ESV)

The Ruling Elder Podcast talks with Roger Wagner and David Winslow about ruling elders encouraging covenant youth.  One of the tasks of ruling elders, as set out by BCO X:3, is that ruling elders should "nourish and guard the children of the covenant”.Rev. Roger Wagner, now a retired minister, was ordained to the ministry in 1973, serving ten years at Sonora, then he became pastor of Bayview OPC in Chula Vista, California in 1983 where he served for the next forty years until his retirement. Ruling Elder David Winslow has served as a ruling elder for over forty years in Westminster OPC, in Westminster CA and was interviewed for this podcast in April 2023.Books and Articles MentionedKevin DeYoung, The (Not-So-Secret) Secret to Reaching the Next Generation, Crossway, 2024Carl R. Trueman, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution, Crossway, 2020Eric Watkins, "Where Have the Children Gone? A Reflection Upon OPC Identity and a Postmodern Generation", Ordained Servant, Vol 12, No. 3, pages 50-51. Available here.John Murray, Christian Baptism, P&R Publishing.Lewis Bevens Schenck, The Presbyterian Doctrine of Children in the Covenant: An Historical Study of the Significance of Infant Baptism in the Presbyterian Church, first published in 1940. Republished by P&R Publishing, 2003.Gerard Berghoef and Lester De Koster, The Elders Handbook, A Practical Guide for Church Leaders, 1979.Robert S. Rayburn, “The Presbyterian Doctrines of Covenant Children,  Covenant Nurture and Covenant Succession.” Available here.

Anneke Fesko and Laurie Tricarico discuss how elders can encourage women in the church.Anneke currently serves the OPC as Care Coordinator for Ministers' Wives and works for the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care. (Committee of Walking Hugs) She is married to John, an ordained OPC minister and theology professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. They have three children, two sons in high school and a daughter in elementary school, and live in Madison, Mississippi.Laurie serves as the coordinator of the Crisis Care Team at New Life OPC in Williamsport PA, where she is a member. She and Al and their children served as foreign missionaries in Uganda for 11 years. Al presently serves as the Associate General Secretary for the Committee on Home Missions and Church Extension of the OPC. They have 5 grown children and seven grandchildren. Al and Laurie live in Williamsport, PA.Recommended BooksJ. Ligon Duncan and Susan Hunt, Women's Ministry in the Local Church, Crossway Books, 2006.Paul Tripp, Awe: Why It Matters for Everything We Think, Say, and Do, Crossway Books, 2015Patricia E. Clawson and Diane L. Olinger, eds., Choosing the Good Portion: Women of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

Danny Olinger, General Secretary of the CCE, talks about ruling elders and Christian Education. The OPC cherished the work of Christian Education and quickly developed specific principles of Christian education and pedagogy to guide its work. Those principles are available here and will provided a stimulating starting point for the continuing importance of Christian Education in the churches.Danny's three book recommendation for ruling elders are,R. B. Kuiper, The Glorious Body of Christ, (Banner of Truth)Edwin H. Rian, The Presbyterian Conflict.John Calvin, The Institutes of Christian Religion.A Program For Christian Education (1945) - Available hereOutlineI. Subjects  A. Covenant subjects    1. Communicant    2. Non-communicant   B. Non-covenant subjectsII. Aims  A. General    1. Noetic: knowing the doctrine      a. Bible history      b. Theology      c. Ethics      d. Church government and usages    2. Experiential: adorning the doctrine       a. Saving faith      b. Growth in grace        (1) Worship (inc. Sabbath Observance)        (2) Obedience        (3) Use of the means of grace        (4) Realization of the fruit of the Spirit         (5) Christian witnessing and service  B. Applied    1. With respect to covenant relation    2. With respect to age, ability, backgroundIII. Method  A. Requirements of method    1. Sound in principle     a. Scriptural     b. Pedagogically and psychologically sound    2. Efficient in operation      a. Conserving time      b. Utilizing best means available  B. Specific applied methods     1. Specific teaching types     2. Aids to teaching.    3. Expressional activitiesIV. ProgramProblems of integration  A. Chiefly designed for covenant subjects    1. Guided parental instruction    2. Pastor's instruction of covenant youth    3. Teacher and leadership training program  B. Chiefly designed for non-covenant subjects     1. Sunday Bible school    2. Weekday classes    3. Club program    4. Evangelistic meetings and propaganda   C. Dual-purpose programs    1. Weekday religious education     2. Vacation Bible school    3. Summer Bible conference    4. Young People's Society     5. Home Study programsThe Use of Pictorial Representations of Christ in the Work of Christian EducationAvailable here.

Rev. Andy Wilson and Rev. Russell Hamilton talk about The Marrow of Modern Divinity, an old book that wrestles with the free offer of Jesus Christ to sinners, and questions of law and assurance. This lively old book continues to be relevant to ruling elders in helping people with questions of faith, freedom from the law, legalism, and assurance. Gospel preaching is vital to gospel churches.Further Reading on the Marrow Edward Fisher, The Marrow of Modern Divinity, (Christian Focus, 2016). This edition includes explanatory notes by Thomas Boston, an introduction by Philip Ryken, and an historical introduction by William Vandoodewaard. Andy Wilson, The Marrow of The Marrow of Modern Divinity (Expanded Edition): A Simplified Version of Edward Fisher's 17th Century Classic.Sinclair Ferguson, The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance―Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters. (Crossway, 2016)Donald Macleod, From the Marrow Men to the Moderates, Scottish Theology 1700–1800. (Christian Focus, 2023)William VanDoodewaard, The Marrow Controversy and Seceder Tradition: Atonement, Saving Faith, and the Gospel Offer in Scotland (1718–1799). (Reformation Heritage Books, 2014)David C. Lachman, The Marrow Controversy 1781-1723: An Historical and Theological Analysis (Rutherford Studies in Historical Theology)Andy's three booksHarrison Perkins, Reformed Covenant Theology: A Systematic Introduction (Lexham Academic, 2024)John Murray, Redemption, Accomplished and AppliedRichard Sibbes, Glorious Freedom: An Exposition, Puritan Paperback (Banner of Truth Trust; 2nd ed. edition, 2024)Russell's three booksRichard Sibbes, The Bruised Reed, (Banner of Truth Trust; 2nd ed. edition, 2021)Timothy Keller, Walking with God through Pain and Suffering, (Penguin Books; Reprint edition 2015)Thomas Boston, Human Nature in its Fourfold State, (Banner of Truth; Reprint edition, 1964)

In this podcast Anneke Fesko talks about how ruling elders can encourage a pastor's wife. Anneke was hired a little over two years ago for the newly created position of Care Coordinator for Ministers' Wives and works for the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care. (Committee of Walking Hugs)Anneke is the wife to John, an ordained OPC minister and theology professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. They were married 22 years ago while John was a church planter for the OPC. They have three children, two sons in high school and a daughter in elementary school, and live in Madison, Mississippi.Ginger Dennison, wife of the late OPC pastor Charlie Dennison says,“Pastors' wives…will sometimes agree on one thing: they are no different than anyone else in the congregation. They have no special responsibilities, no different obligations, no uniqueness. In fact, when asked what it's like to be a pastor's wife, they will reply, "I'm NOT a pastor's wife! I'm just a wife, no matter what my husband does for a living.” The Uniqueness and Challenges of the Minister's Wife, Ordained Servant Online, May 2010. Available here.More ResourcesNew Horizons, mailed to every OPC member and available online here.OPC, Committee on Ministerial Care.Anneke's three recommendations for every Ruling Elder.Patricia E. Clawson and Diane L. Olinger, eds., Choosing the Good Portion: Women of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 2016. Available here. Megan Hill, A Place to Belong: Learning to Love the Local Church, Crossway, 2020.Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People. First published 1936, Simon & Schuster.Thanks for listening to the Podcast.

Jonathan Cruse talks about how Ruling Elders can foster and energize congregational singing.Further ReadingResources by JonathanJonathan Landry Cruse, What Happens When We Worship, Reformation Heritage Books, 2020.Jonathan Landry Cruse, “What Every Elder needs to Know About Congregational Singing” in Faithful and Fruitful, Essays for Elders and Deacons, Eds. William Boekestein and Steven Swets,  Reformed Fellowship Inc. 2019.Books mentioned in the podcastJonty Rhodes, Reformed Worship (Blessings of the Faith), P&R Publishing, 2023.Ligon Duncan, Does God Care How We Worship? P&R Publishing, 2020.Jonathan's three recommendations for every Ruling ElderThomas Watson, The Godly Man's Picture, Drawn with a Scripture Pencil, or, Some Characteristic Marks of a Man Who is Going to Heaven, Banner of Truth Trust.David Dickson, The Elder and His Work. The Westminster Directory for Public Worship (The Westminster Directory for Public Worship discussed by Sinclair B. Ferguson and Mark Dever is currently out of print.Two examples of John Wesley's Directions for Singing.IV. Sing lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being heard, than when you sung the songs of Satan.VII. Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to this attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your Heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve of here, and reward when he cometh in the clouds of heaven.

 What can ruling elders do to promote better preaching?On this issue of the Ruling Elder podcast, John Currie, OPC pastor and Professor and Dean of Pastoral Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, discusses why this is so important and gives practical suggestions on how and when to do it, and, just as importantly, how not to do it.The OPC Form of Government says “[Ruling Elders] should have particular concern for the doctrine and conduct of the minister of the Word and help him in his labors.” (Fg. X.3)Several resources are also available online at Ordained Servant.“What Ruling Elders Can Do to Promote Better Preaching.” (Edwin J. Kreykes) 11:2 (Apr. 2002): 40-42. https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV11N2.pdf“How to Assess a Sermon: A Checklist for Ruling Elders.” (William Shishko) 12:2 (Apr. 2003): 43-44. https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV12N2.pdf“What Is Faithful Preaching?” (Alan D. Strange) 27 (2018): 25-30. https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=686Further ReadingT. David Gordon, Why Johnny Can't Preach: The Media Have Shaped the Messengers, (P&R Publishing; 2009)Christopher J Gordon, “How to Evaluate Your Pastor” in Faithful and Fruitful: Essays for Elders and Deacons, eds. William Boekestein and Steven Swets, (Reformed Fellowship Inc. 2019, pp. 181-193).Christopher Ash, Listen Up: A Practical Guide to Listening to Sermons, (The Good Book Company, 2009)John Angell James, An Earnest Ministry: The Want of the Times, (Banner of Truth Trust)Charles Spurgeon, “The Necessity of Ministerial Progress” in Lectures to My Students, (Banner of Truth Trust)John's recommneded reading for Ruling EldersJohn Calvin, Institutes of Christian ReligionR. B. Kuiper, The Glorious Body of Christ: A Scriptural Appreciation of the One Holy Church, (Banner of Truth Trust)Harry Reeder, From Embers to a Flame: How God Can Revitalize Your Church, (P&R Publishing, 2008) 

David Watson is a ruling elder in Ballyclare Evangelical Presbyterian Church, in Co. Antrim, N. Ireland. The EPC, (Ireland), is a church with which the OPC has full ecclesiastical fellowship. Stephen Tracey grew up in that congregation and is delighted to talk to this faithful and beloved friend and mentor as he reflects on eighty years of life in one congregation, and current issues in church life in N. Ireland.  In the podcast reference is made to a short book, A Good Work, Reflections on the Eldership in Everyday Life and Ministry. This book is not available in the USA. David's three recommended books for ruling elders are: The Westminster Confession of Faith. Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology. J. I. Packer, A Quest for Godliness, The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life. 

Ryan McGraw talks about his new book, What Is Covenant Theology?: Tracing God's Promises through the Son, the Seed, and the Sacraments.Ryan is the Morton H. Smith Professor of Systematic Theology at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and serves as Teacher at Covenant Community OPC, Taylors SC.Are Israel and the Church Two Distinct Peoples of God?Ryan's recommended readingJohn Owen, Communion with God. The full title is “Of Communion with God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Each Person Distinctly, In Love, Grace, and Consolation; or The Saints' Fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Unfolded.”Augustine, On Christian Doctrine.Herman Witsius, The Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man: Comprehending a Complete Body of Divinity.For more on Covenant Theology in Ordained Servant see the following, Gregory Edward Reynolds, “Clarity on the Covenants." Ordained Servant, 15 (2006): 22-27. Available here.Richard B. Gaffin, Jr., “Covenant and Salvation.” Ordained Servant, 18 (2009): 145-49. Available here.

Jason Poquette is a ruling elder in Immanuel Chapel (OPC), Upton, MA. He is a Pharmacist and works in Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA. In this podcast he discusses how ruling elders can help Christians understand the proper use of medication, its limits, the difficulties of end of life decisions, and the place of Christians in the modern healthcare system.Jason's three book recommendations;John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress.John Calvin, A Little Book on the Christian Life.R. C. Sproul, Surprised by Suffering: The Role of Pain and Death in the Christian Life.(And anything else by R. C. Sproul!)

On Sept. 5, 1986, Sanjay was onboard Pan Am Flight 73. It was hijacked by the PLO in Karachi, Pakistan. Sanjay survived, but was seriously injured, including subsequently undergoing the amputation of a leg. His cousin was the first person killed by the hijackers. 22 people died. Listen to his account of how God worked all things for good and brought new life out of the horror of a terrorist attack. As an elder he now asks people in their suffering to think—what glory will God have from this? (Sanjay is a ruling elder in Theophilus Orthodox Presbyterian Church, a multi-generational and multi-ethnic church, in Anaheim CA.)  https://www.theophilusopc.orgSanjay's three recommended books;Prayer by O. Hallesby, (Augsburg Books, Updated Edition,1994)Making Sense of God: Finding God in the Modern World by Timothy Keller (Penguin Books, 2018)J-Curve: Dying and Rising with Jesus in Everyday Life by Paul Miller (Crossway, 2019)

Gregory Reynolds interviews David VanDrunen about his latest book, Natural Law: A Short Companion, (B&H Academic, 2023, 160 pages).For more on Natural Law in Ordained Servant see the following;David VanDrunen, “Natural Law in Reformed Theology: Historical Reflections and Biblical Suggestions.” OS 21 (2012): 32-38. Available here. Nelson D. Kloosterman, “A Biblical Case for Natural Law: A Response Essay.” OS 16 (2007): 101-7. Available here.David VanDrunen, “VanDrunen in the Hands of an Anxious Kloosterman: A Response to a Review.” OS 16 (2007): 107-13. Available here.Gregory Edward Reynolds “Education, Natural Law, and the Two Kingdoms” OS 21 (2012): 14-17. Available here.

Stephen Tracey talks with Joshua Klein about work and  flourishing, being faithful and loving in response to God.Joshua A. Klein is a ruling elder in Pilgrim OPC, Bangor ME. He is editor-in-chief of Mortise & Tenon Magazine. He has presented about historic craftsmanship at museums around the United States and has written articles for Fine Woodworking, Popular Woodworking, and American Period Furniture. Joshua is author of four books, including Joined: A Bench Guide to Furniture Joinery (Mortise & Tenon, 2020), and Worked: A Bench Guide to Hand-Tool Efficiency (Mortise & Tenon, 2022). He also serves as Associate Fellow in Mechanical Arts at Greystone Theological Institute. Joshua, his wife, and their three sons are currently restoring an 1821 cape on the coast of Maine.Further ReadingOn WorkLeland Ryken, Work and Leisure in Christian PerspectiveTimothy Keller, Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's WorkDaniel Doriani, Work: Its Purpose, Dignity, and TransformationOn TypologyG. K. Beale, Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old TestamentSidney Greidanus, Preaching Christ from the Old Testament: A Contemporary Hermeneutical MethodAlistair Roberts & Andrew Wilson, Echoes of Exodus: Tracing Themes of Redemption through Scripture(Stephen Tracey also recommends Patrick Fairbairn, The Typology of Scripture ) On Flow in Thought and WorkMihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal ExperienceAnd maybe take up a craft...

Greg Reynolds talks to Stephen Tracey about how ruling elders respond to conflict in the church,  whether it is among members, among the session, or with the pastor.More Resources“A Training Program for Elders.” (Greg Reynolds & William Shishko) 10:3 (Jul. 2001): 55-58. Available here. The updated version of this training program titled Let Them Serve is available from Greg upon request. reynolds.1@opc.orgBooks on Conflict resolution in the church recommended by Greg:Marshall Shelley, Ministering to Problem People in Your Church: What to Do With Well-Intentioned Dragons. Bethany House Publishers. 1985, 2013.Ken Sande, The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, Baker Books, 3rd edition, 2004.Jay Adams, Handbook of Church Discipline: A Right and Privilege of Every Church Member, Zondervan, 1896.Greg's three (he gave 5) books he believes elders must read:Samuel Miller, The Ruling Elder: The Warrant, Nature, and Duties of the Office in the Presbyterian Church.David Dickson, The Elder and his Work.Lawrence R. Eyres, The Elders of the Church.Gerard Berghoef and Lester De Koster, The Elders Handbook - A Practical Guide for Church Leaders.The Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms.

Stephen Tracey talks to Thomas Crumplar about the issue of domestic abuse. Tom is a ruling elder at Emmanuel OPC in Wilmington, Delaware, and co-founder of the law firm Jacobs and Crumplar, P. A.The New Horizons edition for February 1997 featured several articles on Domestic violence. It is available here.  Also the edition for January 2021, available here.Suggested further reading:Jeremy Pierre & Greg Wilson, When Home Hurts: A Guide for Responding Wisely to Domestic Abuse in Your Church, Christian Focus (2021).Darby A. Strickland, Is It Abuse?: A Biblical Guide to Identifying Domestic Abuse and Helping Victims, P&R Publishing (2020)Brad Hambrick, Becoming a Church that Cares Well for the Abused, B&H Books (2019).

Stephen Tracey interviews his good friends Doug and Liz Babbitt on how elders can welcome, include, and connect with people affected by autism.We must remember that  "the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable" (1 Corinthians 12:22 ESV)Further reading on Autism and the Church Grant Macaskill, Autism and the Church: Bible, Theology, and Community (Waco, TX: Baylor University Press, 2019) See Harrison Perkins' online review of Macaskill's book here   Joni and Friends Resources Welcoming People With Autism: Four Practical Strategies Learn the Truth About People with Autism and Welcome Them Into the Church  We apologize that due to technical difficulties, the publishing of this episode was belated.  Thank you for your patience.

Rev. Gregory Reynolds speaks with ruling elder Jim Gidley about his becoming a ruling elder and how he has supported the work of both the local church and the OPC. As an elder “you are shepherding people to follow their Savior in the day to day rough and tumble of life. You're not shepherding them to be theological experts at detecting the heresies around them. You're shepherding people to bear the cross, to keep the commandments and basically to be Christians”Pray more. “The time you spend speaking to God for your people is more valuable than the time you spend talking to your people for God.”Mr. Gidley has written many helpful articles for Ordained Servant.“Biblical Theology and the Session – Part 1: Redemptive History and the Church's Confession of Faith” 9:2 (Apr. 2000): 35-38.“Biblical Theology and the Session – Part 2: Redemptive History and the Church Discipline” 9:3 (Jul. 2000): 50-54.“Biblical Theology and the Session – Part 3: Redemptive History and the Character of the People” 9:4 (Oct. 2000): 72-76.“Covenant Blessings for Singles.” 19 (2010): 58-61.“The Education of a Monster” 21 (2012): 86-90. “The Future of Calvinism” 2:2 (Apr. 1993): 42-47. [reprinted 15 (2006): 79-86]“A New Stage on the Pilgrimage of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church” 8:3 (Jul. 1999): 63-66.“Of Creation Days and the Keys of the Kingdom” 9:1 (Jan. 2000): 21-23.“The Soul of Frankenstein” 16 (2007): 62-65. “The Theology of Frankenstein: Deism vs. Biblical Theism” 27 (2018): 19-24. “The Two Cultures: A Lifetime Later” 23 (2014): 103-9. “Why a Candidates and Credentials Conference?” 21 (2012): 45-52.

The ruling elder podcast talks with Chad Van Dixhoorn about the importance of the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms to the work of the ruling elder.Says Chad, "It is a wonderful gift to be in a presbyterian church that does not try to work around the Standards but deploys them for all their various purposes." Further ReadingChad Van Dixhoorn, Confessing the Fatih: A Reader's Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith (The Banner of Truth Trust)ESV Bible with Creeds and Confessions (Crossway)Books mentioned by ChadOn the Shorter CatechismThomas Watson, A Body of Divinity (The Banner of Truth Trust)Thomas Watson, The Ten Commandments (The Banner Truth Trust)Thomas Watson, The Lord's Prayer (The Banner of Truth Trust)On the Larger CatechismJ.G. Vos, The Westminster Larger Catechism, a Commentary (Presbyterian & Reformed)Thomas Ridgley, A Body of Divinity (out of print)On the Westminster ConfessionFrancis R. Beattie, The Presbyterian Standards (out of print)A.A. Hodge, The Westminster Confession, A Commentary (The Banner of Truth Trust) Robert Shaw, An Exposition of the Confession of Faith, now titled The Reformed Faith: An Exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith (Christian Heritage, Christian Focus Publications)R C Sproul, Truths We Confess: A Systematic Exposition of the Westminster Confession Of Faith (Revised Edition, Ligonier Ministries)

David Nakhla and Jeffrey Roach talk to Stephen Tracey about how ruling elders can help and encourage deacons. [David is Administrator for the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries, and a ruling elder in Calvary  OPC, Glenside, PA. Jeffrey is a deacon in Resurrection Presbyterian Church (OPC), Matthews, NC.]Topics covered include good communication between elders and deacons, joint meetings, discretion, visitation, and the dangers of being overworked.The article "A Holy Kind of Chaos" by Rev. T. Nathan Trice is available here Please also visit the following websites,The OPC Committee on Diaconal MinistriesThe Reformed Deacon podcastThis edition of the ruling elder podcast will also be published in an upcoming edition of the reformed deacon podcast.Further ReadingCornelis Van Dam: “The Deacon: Biblical Foundations for Today's Ministry of Mercy” (Reformation Heritage Books)There are several articles in the archives of Ordained Servant that also may be helpful.“Balancing Sensitivity and Stewardship in Diaconal Assistance.” 7:3 (Jul. 1998): 67.“The Biblical Foundation of the Diaconate.” (George W. Knight III) 5:3 (Jul. 1996): 66-68.“Biblical Qualifications for Deacons, Part 1.” (Archibald Alexander Allison) 6:1 (Jan. 1997): 4-9.“Biblical Qualifications for Deacons, Part 2.” (Archibald Alexander Allison) 6:2 (Apr. 1997): 31-36.“Biblical Qualifications for Deacons, Part 3.” (Archibald Alexander Allison) 6:3 (Jul. 1997): 49-54.“The Deacons.” (John Calvin) 1:1 (Jan. 1992): 21.“Deacons and/or Trustees?” (Roger Schmurr) 4:1 (Jan. 1995): 20-22.“Are Deacons Members of the Session?” (R. Dean Anderson, Jr.) 2:4 (Oct. 1993): 75-78.“If You Are a Deacon.” (Nathan Trice) 23 (2014): 72-77“The Ministry of Mercy for Today [part 1].” (Peter Y. de Jong) 3: 3 (Jul. 1994): 53-58.“Organic Officer Training.” (William Shishko) 22 (2013): 69-71.“The Pastoral Wisdom of John Calvin.” (John Calvin) 3:3 (Jul. 1994): 64-70.“Pointers for Elders and Deacons, Part 1.” 2:3 (Jul. 1993): 59-64.“Pointers for Elders and Deacons, Part 2.” 2:4 (Oct. 1993): 79-85.“Pointers for Elders and Deacons, Part 3.” 3:1 (Jan. 1994): 3-8.“A Proposed Job Description for a Deacon.” (A. G. Edwards III) 4:1 (Jan. 1995): 3-5.“Reforming the Diaconate, Part 1.” (William Shishko) 1:2 (Apr. 1992): 43-45.“Reforming the Diaconate, Part 2.” (William Shishko) 1:3 (Sep. 1992): 63-66.“Reforming the Diaconate, Part 3.” (William Shishko) 2:1 (Jan. 1993): 16-18.“Some Old Testament Roots and Their Continuing Significance.” (C. Van Dam) 1:1 (Jan. 1992): 14-21.“The Spiritual Nature of the Office of Deacon.” (Carl Carlson) 26 (2017): 63-67.“A Training Program for Deacons.” (William Shishko) 6:3 (Jul. 2000): 62-70.

Stephen Tracey talks to Thomas Crumplar about the issue of child sexual abuse. Tom is a ruling elder at Emmanuel OPC in Wilmington, Delaware, and co-founder of the law firm Jacobs and Crumplar, P. A.Resources: Christopher W. Shishko, “Volunteers and Your Church: Avoiding Legal Pitfalls” Ordained Servant, 23 (2014): 66-68. Jonathan W. Shishko, “Improving Upon the Status Quo: Child Safety” Ordained Servant, 23 (2014): 69-71.Please visit the Ordained Servant Archive for the October 2002 issue.“Elders and Sexual Abuse – A Pastor's Dilemma.” Ordained Servant, 11:4 (Oct. 2002): 73-77.G. I. Williamson, “A Response to the Previous Article.” Ordained Servant, 11:4 (Oct. 2002): 78-79.

Stephen Tracey interviews his good friends Doug and Liz Babbitt on how elders can welcome, include, and connect with people affected by disabilities. We must remember that  "the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable" (1 Corinthians 12:22 ESV)"People with disabilities need the church, and the church needs people with disabilities."To begin with, focus on one person or family at a time. We don't need to be experts in any area of disability, simply learning and practicing hospitality is a good start. Listening, connecting gifts with opportunities, and cultivating relationships are all good ways to grow our ministry to, and with, people affected by disabilities.Elders can help increase awareness by thinking about people with disabilities already connected with their congregation and increasing help and support given, and then looking further afield. Someone has said that people with disabilities are "the largest unreached people group you've never heard of." "People with disabilities are not a program, they're people" Liz Babbitt.ResourcesBelow is a link to one example of disability etiquette. Others are available from different sources.Disability Etiquette

Stephen Tracey talks with the Rev. Gordon Cook, (Pastor of Living Hope, OPC, Brunswick, ME, and recently retired as a hospital chaplain) and Dr. Logan Murray, (Pediatric Hospitalist, and Ruling Elder in Living Hope OPC, Brunswick, ME). This episode is full of practical insights and wisdom on visiting people in hospital, or in hospice care. Jesus reminds us that visiting the sick is one of the marks of his sheep,  “I was sick and you visited me…Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:36 & 40."One learns to visit the sick by doing it and allowing the patient to be your teacher." Gordon Cook“None of us do this perfectly. Take the pressure off yourself in terms of aiming for perfection, and go and be the person you are—that's what the person needs. They need you. They need you to be yourself and you have that privilege, so just take it and do it.”  Logan Murray.Recommended ReadingGordon recommends the following books, though most are not distinctly Reformed, they are all worthwhile.Carson & Koenig, Spiritual Caregiving  Healthcare as a Ministry,  Templeton Foundation Press, 2004  Holst, Lawrence, Hospital Ministry, the Role of the Chaplain Today, Crossroad Publishing, 1987.Oates & Oates,  People in Pain Guidelines for Pastoral Care, The Westminster Press, 1985. Puchalski & Ferrell,  Making Health Care Whole, Templeton Press, 2010.  (Focused on Hospice and Palliative Care)Tada, Joni Eareckson & Steven Estes  When God Weeps, Zondervan, 1997.Somewhat related:  Welch, Edward, Caring for One Another, Crossway, 2018.Taylor, Douglas, I Shall Not Die, But Live  Facing Death with Gospel Hope , Banner of Truth Trust  2016.

Listen to Stephen Tracey interview ruling elder John Muether on searching for a new pastor.Committee on Home Missions, Guidelines for Congregations to Follow in Discovering, Evaluating and Calling a Pastor:https://5mt.chmce.org/2011/10/02133343/Pastor-Search-Guidelines.pdf Looking for a Pastor: https://chmce.org/looking-for-a-pastor/ The Committee on Ministerial Care, Pastoral Compensation Tool:https://opccmc.org/pastoral-compensation-tool/  From Ordained Servant G. I. Williamson, “On Calling a Pastor.” 6:2 (Apr. 1997): 26-27.https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV6N2.pdf#page=4 Jonathan T. Looney, “When It Is Time to Call a New Pastor” 28 (2019): 39-44.https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=727 Jonathan T. Looney, Review of “When the Word Leads Your Pastoral Search,” by Chris Braunshttps://opc.org/os.html?article_id=728 

On this episode of the Ruling Elder Podcast David Winslow, Jr. is interviewed by Danny Olinger, General Secretary of the Committee on Christian Education.   David has served as a ruling elder for more than 40 years.  He has the following to highlight: “When you are asked to serve and are elected and ordained you are really being asked to serve a particular congregation.  That should be the center of your focus.”Resources:G. I. Williamson, The Westminster Confession of Faith for Study Classes (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 2003)Called to Serve, ed. Michael Brown (Grandville, MI: Reformed Fellowship, 2006)Ordained ServantBy David Winslow “Elder to Elder: Home Visitation and Family Devotions” 8:1 (Jan. 1999): 19-20. [reprinted 15 (2006): 60-61]. Available here:  https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=10“Elder to Elder: A Sample Sessional Calling Record” 7:2 (Apr. 1998): 29-31. Available here: https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV7N2.pdf“Elder to Elder: Start those Home Visits Now!” 7:1 (Jan. 1998): 20-21. [reprinted 15 (2006): 58-59] Available here: https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=9 Also on visitation: Derrick J. Vander Meulen, “Shepherding the Flock Through Family Visitation” in Called to Serve: Essays for Elders and Deacons, ed. Michael Brown, Reformed Fellowship, Inc. 2016, pages 213-227. Other articles on Catechizing available in Ordained Servant.“A Dozen Reasons Why Catechizing Is Important” (Thomas E. Tyson) 24 (2015): 48-53. “How Much Catechesis? The Case for a Maximalist Approach to Membership Classes” (Ken Golden) 21 (2012):41-45. “Pilgrimage in the Mode of Hope: Thoughts on the Usefulness of Catechism.” (Mark A. Garcia) 16 (2007): 79-84. “The Necessity of a Doctrinal Map” (Gregory Edward Reynolds) 16 (2007): 11-13.“The Religion of the Catechism.” (D. G. Hart) 16 (2007): 73-78. Article on Shepherding Pastors“How Can a Session Shepherd Its Pastor?” (Lawrence Eyres) 8:2 (Mar. 1999): 29-31.

In this episode of the Ruling Elder Podcast Danny Olinger interviews ruling elders James Gidley, and Michael Shields on teaching adult Sunday school. Both men have many years of experience and offer wise and practical counsel. For example, Gidley says, “You don't master Scripture: the Scriptures master you.”Resources:Calvin R. Malcor, “Christian Education in the Local Church” Available at https://opc.org/nh.html?article_id=274Patricia E. Clawson, “Sunday School Roundup” Available at https://opc.org/nh.html?article_id=1035

“The privilege of a faithful elder…is to be ‘friends of the Bridegroom', to be helps and witnesses to the betrothal of sinners to Jesus.” David Dickson, The Elder and His WorkLawrence Eyres, “How Can a Session Shepherd Its Pastor?” 8:2 (Mar. 1999): 29-31. https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV8N2.pdf Edwin J. Kreykes,“What Ruling Elders Can Do to Promote Better Preaching” 11:2 (Apr. 2002): 40-42. https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV11N2.pdf Ryan M. McGraw,“How a Faithful Elder Can Make a Difference: Reflections on the Life and Death of a Friend” 29 (2020): 58-61. https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=856 Gregory Reynolds, “Democracy and the Denigration of Office” 23 (2014): 12-23. https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=398. https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=403 William Shishko, “Lessons from the Life of an Extraordinary Ruling Elder” 16 (2007): 44-46. https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=28 

Hear about why the Orthodox Presbyterian Church's Committee on Christian Education decided to start a podcast for Ruling Elders.  We'll be hearing from Dr. A. Craig Troxel, President of the Committee on Christian Education.Resources from Dr. TroxelWith All Your Heart: Orienting Your Mind, Desires, and Will Toward Christ (Crossway).OPC Doctrinal Standards Monthly Reading Schedule  and Continuous Officer Training: https://nyneopc.org/2023/01/13/elder-training/Resources in Ordained Servant“Biblical Qualifications for Elders.” (Archibald Alexander Allison) 3:4 (Oct. 1994): 80-96.   https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV3N4.pdf“The Duties of Elders.” (Daniel R. Hyde) 13:1 (Jan. 2004): 4-7. https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV13N1.pdf“Elder Self-Evaluation” (Francis E. VanDelden) 22 (2013): 72-73. https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=362“Eldership in the Balance.” (Charlie Meyers) 10:2 (Apr. 2001): 31-32.  https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV10N2.pdf“How a Faithful Elder Can Make a Difference: Reflections on the Life and Death of a Friend.” (Ryan M. McGraw) 29 (2020): 58- 61. https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=856“Lessons from the Life of an Extraordinary Ruling Elder.” (William Shishko) 16 (2007): 44-46. https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=28“Ordained Servants: The Ruling Elder” (Gregory Edward Reynolds) 16 (2007): 9-11.  https://www.opc.org/OS/Final_OS_07_text.pdf“A Training Program for Elders.” (Greg Reynolds & William Shishko) 10:3 (Jul. 2001): 55-58. https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV10N3.pdf“Qualifications for Ruling Elders: An Historical Survey.” (Mark R. Brown) 10:3 (Jul. 2001): 65-66. https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV10N3.pdf