Constitutional Musings: Note 28-Ruling Elders Commissioned to Limited Pastoral Service

On the occasion of the amendments to the Book of Order formally recognizing the use of “commissioned ruling elder” and adding the option “commissioned  pastor” as terms for referring to “ruling elders … commissioned to limited pastoral service” (G-2.1001), it seems warranted to update two earlier constitutional musings on this form of service. The information here draws upon those earlier constitutional musings and a report received by the 222 nd General Assembly
(2016) related to presbyteries’ use of persons other than ministers of the Word and Sacraments to provide pastoral ministry in congregations and other settings.