Raised a Baptist, for ruling elder Felica Ezell-Gillespie, a trained jazz vocalist and musician, it was the music and jazz concerts where she occasionally performed that first brought her to visit a Presbyterian church. Several years later she found herself singing at a funeral held at Third Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, Missouri, and knew then that she wanted to return. Eventually, she became a member.
The congregational nominating committee of the church has a rigorous process for identifying potential ruling elders. Felica, now the current nominating committee co-chair, was considered twice before being called to serve as a ruling elder.
Those seeking to be ruling elders are asked to read particular scriptures in preparation for their examination and asked to share their thoughts on the text. From questions about participation and involvement in Bible study or Sunday school, to ascertaining their willingness to take on projects that benefit the community, to their commitment to read the Book of Order, the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and more, the nominating committee takes seriously its process for discerning which members are “persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having demonstrated skills in leadership, and being compassionate in spirit” [G-2.0301]. The process also allows candidates to pray and discern God’s call to this ministry.
As a part of this process, one of the questions asked is how the leadership responsibilities and expectations of ruling elder would contribute to life beyond the walls of the church. Felica, a municipal judge, responded that “it keeps me connected to the ministry and I know that I am always connected to the ministry. I’m not just Felica, I'm not Judge Felica, I am ruling elder Felica.”
As an illustration, Felica shared a story about officiating a wedding this summer on the Sunday after returning from Salt Lake City, Utah, where she served as a ruling elder commissioner to the 226th General Assembly from the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy. After the wedding, the owner of the venue and the piano player complimented her on presiding over such a beautiful service. They asked what church she pastored. When she responded that she was not a pastor but a judge, they were incredulous! They told her that they’d witnessed ceremonies where judges officiated and never saw a judge do a ceremony like that.
“That's my give-back. It's my spirituality. It transcends,” Felica said, “and so, even though I'm acting in the role of judge, I know what my faith brings and how it adds to a person’s life. And the covenant that the couple is making, it’s a covenant with God. It’s important that they understand that and that I understand it. I respect that covenant.”
Ruling elder Felica, who also reports for the music ministry and provides coverage when needed for the transportation ministry, offered these words of encouragement to ruling elders: “Don’t be afraid to step outside your box. Someone thought enough of you to present your name, and you thought enough to speak with them about this role. Now make the most of this ministry. Don't just carry it in title, but get engaged, show up, support others, ask if there is a need to be filled and go ahead and do it. Get involved!”
'Serve the Lord with gladness; come into God’s presence with singing.'
-Psalm 100 NRSV
For Reflection:
- How does serving as a ruling elder contribute to your life beyond the walls of the congregation?
- How did you react when you were approached to serve as a ruling elder? Write a letter to your past self, sharing your experiences and advice.
- What practices have you incorporated to further your formation or capacity as a leader within the congregation?
valerie izumi is a ruling elder serving the Office of the General Assembly as an assistant stated clerk, coordinating the General Assembly nominations process.
Throughout 2023 and 2024, monthly Regarding Ruling Elders articles alternate between a deep dive into the ways ruling elders discern and measure the life of a congregation through the ministry of members AND stories about how ruling elders are using their call and gifts as they move within and beyond the walls of the congregation.
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.