EVER
FEEL LIKE GOD IS CALLING Lord. If you are feeling a nudge from the
YOU TO LEAD? Lord and wondering if you have such gifts,
In the Presbyterian Church there are many
leadership opportunities: from serving on a
ministry committee, signing up to lay read,
or serving on Session. There are some
among us that, while serving in these
capacities, may feel the call of God to act in a
pastoral way. Some may be called to do
things like leading worship, and caring for
the sick and grieving, or tending to a small
church much the same way a Pastor does. If
you are feeling this sort of call, you might be
needed to serve as a Certi!ied Ruling Elder!
WHAT IS A CRE? sense of call and motives in seeking
De!inition of Commissioned Ruling Elder:
A Commissioned Ruling Elder is a Ruling
Elder, called by God and af!irmed by his/her
Session and trained, commissioned, and
nurtured by Presbytery to be a preacher/
pastor to a particular congregation. He or
she may serve full or part time, with or
without salary. The local commission is valid
only within the bounds of John Knox
Presbytery and only in the church/es
speci!ied and is validated annually. It may be
renewed at the expiration or terminated at
any time at the discretion of the Presbytery.
HOW DO I KNOW Policies for the Commissioning Ruling Elders
IF I AM BEING CALLED? Step 3: Learner
The identi!ication of gifts is a personal
discernment process. Churches are called
upon to be vigilant in identifying spiritual
gifts in their members. Remember that a
church is a community of believers created
to lift up and encourage one another in the
offered by the University of Dubuque
Theological Seminary:
talk to your church leadership. Introduction to Old Testament, Pastoral
Care, Introduction to New Testament,
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO Presbyterian Polity, Reformed Worship and
Sacraments, Introduction to Preaching,
TO BE A C.R.E?
Foundations of Christian Education,
CRE 4 STEP PROCESS (In short)
Reformed Theology Course,
Step 1: Inquirer
Talk with your Session and allow your
Realistic timelines for completion of
church family to help you discern your call
requirements will be set for each learner
to become a CRE. Fill out the Application for
and will usually vary from six to eighteen
CRE and the Session Endorsement form
months. Education for ministry is a life-long
before meeting with the CRE committee in
process, but the Presbytery works
Presbytery. At the meeting with Presbytery
continuously at !inding or creating
Council you will discuss your personal faith,
Continuing Education opportunities.
enrollment in the program, competency in
Step 4: Commissioned Ruling Elder
Book of Order requirements,
This is the !inal step and the commissioning
communication skills, willingness to engage
to service as a Commissioned Ruling Elder
in study/mentoring program and review of
in the John Knox Presbytery. The learner
information contained in application.
will be interviewed by the Committee on
Ministry. Pending the outcomes, the
Step 2: Seeker
individual will be given a local commission
Seekers are asked to participate in a
to a particular church or churches within the
professional evaluation and background
bounds of John Knox Presbytery, or, his/her
checks. This is to ensure the seekers
name may be placed on the Supply
potential to lead a small congregation with
Preaching List.
Christ as the head of the church. If a seeker
is found to be a good !it as a church leader
For more information on this 4 step process
they move to the next step.
please see The Procedures, Program &
in the John Knox Presbytery. Located in PDF
Although CRE’s are not required to have the
form on the John Knox Presbytery Website.
same levels of knowledge as a Teaching
http://jknox.org/resources/manual-of-
Elder it is imperative that church leaders are
operations/
taught and trained for the ministry they
serve. The Learning Plan will be tailored for
each individual. The basis of the learning
plan will include the following core courses
Resources for CRE’s

CRE’s and Pastors alike need resources for

learning and preparing worship every week!
Here are just a few sources that might work for
you!

For an interesting and provocative blog chekc

out: https://medium.com/commonwords/
christianity-the-end-of-religion-67948ca84a2c

The Text This week is a website that compiles

blogs, commentaries, and liturgy resources all in
one place. It is a one stop spot to shop for all
your sermon needs. http://www.textweek.com/

A Lutheran resource, the Working Preacher

website features a wonderful podcast, and very
well researched commentaries for lectionary
preachers. https://www.workingpreacher.org/

Pulpit Fiction is a podcast hosted by Rev. Eric

Fistler and Rev. Robb McCoy. It is a conversation
guided by the Revised Common Lectionary, and
includes thoughts about pop culture and current
events. https://www.pulpit!iction.com/ to become a
For some full services on a wide variety of topics
check out The Presbyterian Mission Agency, or Certi ied Ruling Elder
the PCUSA Worship Resources page.
https://www.presbyterianmission.org/
programs-services/ for
https://www.pcusa.org/pcusa-worship-
resources/ John Knox Presbytery
For help with everyday liturgy consider utilizing
the PCUSA Call To Worship Resource.
https://www.presbyterianmission.org/
ministries/worship/call-to-worship-
publication/

For more resources stay tuned to the John Knox

website.