Ruling elders as spiritual leaders

The title character of the popular Disney movie “Moana” is the daughter of the chief of a small Polynesian island village and is being raised to become its future leader. While they are fishing people, those in the village are taught to never venture out past the protective reef. They have come to believe that it’s dangerous out there. In one scene, Moana learns her ancestors were once master navigators who crossed vast oceans. Embracing this forgotten legacy, she sets out on a daring journey across the open sea to reclaim her people’s identity as voyagers.

Like Moana, ruling elders are called to be explorers, venturing out beyond the familiar and not being guided by fear. Spiritual leaders remember, learn from and share the story of faith. Grounded in Christ, they guide others in their own exploration.

Consider how you engage as a spiritual leader. How you can be guided by the Holy Spirit as you serve and how you might also engage the congregation in these practices?

Prayer
How deeply is prayer woven into your own life and the fabric of communal life? 
Are you praying and teaching others how to pray? 
Are you using and introducing varieties of prayer?

Scripture
What opportunities do you seek for going beyond studying Scripture to also being transformed by it? 
What opportunities for digging into Scripture are offered within the congregation? 
What are some examples of transformation that you have seen?

Spiritual growth
How are you supported in your spiritual growth? 
How are your colleagues in leadership supported in their spiritual growth?
Are meetings focused only on polity or the business of the church? Are there opportunities for worship within church gatherings and meetings?

Hospitality
How do you personally practice genuine hospitality to strangers and “the least of these”? 
How does the congregation practice this hospitality?
Are there ways this could be expanded?

Evangelism
How do you share with people outside the congregation about how God has made a difference in your life? 
How is this encouraged within the congregation?

Relationships
Do you move beyond surface relationships to share struggles and know others deeply? In what settings does this happen within the congregation?
Can occasions of fellowship go deeper?
Are small groups available that go beyond shared hobbies or interests? 

As one of the songs in “Moana” reminds us, we know the way and we know who we are. As ruling elders and spiritual leaders, we also know whose we are. We are called to assist the Holy Spirit in discipleship and faith formation, even if it means stretching beyond our comfort zones. We are guided by faith, not fear.

For Reflection:

• What other practices and qualities of a spiritual leader would you add?
• What is at least one thing that you are willing to commit to add, change or even strengthen as a spiritual leader? 
• How will you help those with whom you serve venture out beyond the reef?

Martha Miller is a ruling elder and a Certified Christian Educator in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). She serves in Leader Development within Presbyterian Life & Witness, an agency of the General Assembly of the PC(USA). Miller has been editor of Regarding Ruling Elders since its beginning in 2014.

Throughout 2026, monthly Regarding Ruling Elders articles will focus on some of the foundational aspects of ruling elder service and spiritual leadership in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Subscribe to receive notifications of monthly Regarding Ruling Elders articles. Visit the PC(USA) Leader Formation website for more resources for ruling elders and deacons. For more information, email Martha Miller, editor of Regarding Ruling Elders.