Privileged2Preach
Puritan Board Freshman
So I'm working through Samuel Miller's "Ruling Elder" (I'm a TE in a PCA church, some 12 years) and recently moved to a new pastorate that has a very different dynamic btwn RE and TE. The former church had a very "clean" inter-relationship between RE and TE - (1) all matters - where Scripture speaks - are to be settled from Scripture. (2) where Scripture doesn't plainly speak ( e.g., length of service / translation preached from / musical genre used, etc) the TE is to propose an answer, the Session discuss as a whole all Scriptural considerations, as well the the practical implications of the proposal for the congregation, and then vote the proposal up or down.
Philosopically, all elders are pastors, and have an equal say in the polity of the individual congregation. TE's are not to be dictators, but neither are TE's an employee of the session, taking direction from them as an underling. Where Scripture doesn't specifically speak, and no negative impact foreseen on the proposed policy, the former church essentially "followed my lead." Or... perhaps...we all shared a unified view on thematters up for discussion. I'm not sure, now, really.
The vocational, paid full time TE whose labor is in the word and doctrine, does practically take a lead in proposing and leading / teaching even the RE's how the church should proceed in these matters...where Scripture doesn't specifically speak. The TE is responsible for elder / deacon training. The TE is the moderator of the session. (PCA BCO) As one pastor said to me whern I asked if the TE is to set the vision of the church, and then seek RE approval.... "That's what every pastor is trying to do." Practically, the whole church has one Head, the Lord Jesus Christ. A corporation has a single CEO that must answer to a board. A pure democracy is ultimately leaderless, and descends into schisms and factions. SOMEONE has to lead... in a Christ-like, gentle, patient manner. But someONE MUST lead.
So.... I'm looking for all biblical / practical direction how TE and RE are to inter-relate and work together for the glory of God.
Philosopically, all elders are pastors, and have an equal say in the polity of the individual congregation. TE's are not to be dictators, but neither are TE's an employee of the session, taking direction from them as an underling. Where Scripture doesn't specifically speak, and no negative impact foreseen on the proposed policy, the former church essentially "followed my lead." Or... perhaps...we all shared a unified view on thematters up for discussion. I'm not sure, now, really.
The vocational, paid full time TE whose labor is in the word and doctrine, does practically take a lead in proposing and leading / teaching even the RE's how the church should proceed in these matters...where Scripture doesn't specifically speak. The TE is responsible for elder / deacon training. The TE is the moderator of the session. (PCA BCO) As one pastor said to me whern I asked if the TE is to set the vision of the church, and then seek RE approval.... "That's what every pastor is trying to do." Practically, the whole church has one Head, the Lord Jesus Christ. A corporation has a single CEO that must answer to a board. A pure democracy is ultimately leaderless, and descends into schisms and factions. SOMEONE has to lead... in a Christ-like, gentle, patient manner. But someONE MUST lead.
So.... I'm looking for all biblical / practical direction how TE and RE are to inter-relate and work together for the glory of God.
