Ruling Elders:
The Church of the Cross, as a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA), is governed by a council of Ruling Elders, together with the Pastor. Ruling Elders are charged by Christ to carry out the ministry of discernment and governance in and for the Church. When the meet together in council they are known as the Session.
I Peter 5 tells us that elders are encouraged to “tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight,not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it—not for sordid gain but eagerly. Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock.” (I Pet. 5:2-3)
In the Presbyterian Church (USA), both women and men of faith are called by Christ to exercise, with humility, their order of ministry. They are asked to discern their call from the Holy Spirit and respond, freely, to the grace of God and serve Christ and His Church in love.
Ruling Elders and all ordered ministers (Deacons and Ministers) are asked to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and to demonstrate, through their calling, the full measure of gifts which Christ has bestowed upon them to carry out their particular ministry for the Church.
- The Church of the Cross Session is currently comprised of 18 women and men (12 women and 6 men) who are broken evenly into three classes. They are asked to serve three year terms (which can be renewed once before needing to take a one year break).
- These Ruling Elders serve in particular ways by overseeing Worship and Music, Property, Personnel, Stewardship, Education and Formation, Evangelism and Church Life, and Missions.