OPC Ruling Elder Podcast

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 Re...

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 Perio...

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. r...

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 Pie...

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 Un...

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 th...

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 Reading Chad Van Dixhoorn, Confessing the Fatih: A Reader...

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, discre...

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 ” Orda...

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 o...

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 mark...

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 T...

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...

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:...

“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 Work Lawrence 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://o...

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. Troxel With All Your Heart: Orienting Your Mind, Desires, and Will Toward Christ (Crossway). OPC Doctrinal Standards Monthly Reading Schedule  and...