According to the Presbyterian
Book
of Order: "The
Commissioned Ruling Elder is an elder of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) who is granted a local commission by the presbytery to lead worship and preach the gospel, watch over the people, and provide for their nurture and service" G-14.0801
A Commissioned Ruling Elders, given the required training, may also be authorized by the presbytery to perform any or all of the following functions, when it furthers the strategy for ministry in one or more congregations to which he or she may be commissioned to serve:
- Administer the Lord's Supper.
- Administer the Sacrament of Baptism.
- Moderate the session of the congregation under the supervision of, and when invited by, the moderator of the session appointed by the presbytery.
And in addition,
- Have a voice & vote in meetings of presbytery.
- Perform a service of Christian marriage when invited by the session or other responsible committee, and when allowed by the state. G-14.0801c
Objectives:
- To provide the necessary course work for elders
wishing to become Commissioned Ruling Elders (CRE) within Grand Canyon Presbytery
- To provide educational opportunities for laity who are interested in learning more about the Bible, ministry, and the theology/polity of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Qualifications:
- Be an ordained elder in the PC(USA).
- Have been an active member of a PC(USA) congregation for at least two years or be recommended by letter from the Stated Clerk of a previous presbytery.
If you receive the call,
then talk to your pastor, or if you are without a
pastor, speak with the Presbytery Executive. The
fact that you are interested in becoming a CRE will then be brought to your session.
Syllabus:
Three year Rotation
Schedule for CRE classes
9 hour weekend includes motel for out of town students and lunch; for
local students lunch is provided.
Breakfast and dinner are on your own for everyone. Most
classes are 3 hours Friday evening and 6 hours on Saturday. There is one class during the 3 year cycle that will be held on two different Saturdays for 4 ½ hours making 9 hours total.
First Year
| Introduction to New Testament |
TBA |
| Preaching |
TBA |
| Theology and Church History |
TBA |
Second Year
| Introduction to New Testament |
TBA |
| Faith Development and Spirituality |
TBA |
| Reformed Worship, Liturgy, and Planning |
TBA |
Third Year
| Introduction to Pastoral Care |
Session #1: September 7 - 8, 2012
Session #2: September 21 - 22, 2012 |
| Introduction to Christian Education |
Session #1: October 5 - 6, 2012
Session #2: October 26 - 27, 2012 |
| Administrative Development |
Session #1: February 8 - 9, 2013
Session #2: March 1 - 2, 2013 |
| Ethics and Sexual Misconduct |
Session: May 3 - 4, 2013
|