So often, ruling elders who no longer serve on the session will say that they used to be a ruling elder. Ordination as ruling elders does not expire when their service on the session has been completed, however. Ruling elders can and should continue their vibrant ministry of service to the people of God.
Alex Maxim, ordained a ruling elder and a deacon at Mercer Island Presbyterian Church east of Seattle, is one of those ruling elders who has taken this to heart and believes in the importance of church members participating and not just observing.
Not steeped in religion or polity, Alex was a bit intimidated when he received the call to serve as a ruling elder. He was assigned as an elder for worship and music in the congregation. Because of his love for music, British and Anglican hymns came easy to him. Liking contemporary music as well, the church role was a good fit. He was not as confident about the worship part of the assignment but accepted the task. Time and time again, God calls us to serve in places where we underestimate our gifts; gifts that are recognized by others.
Alex loves the structure of shared leadership in the church — ruling elders and teaching elders together — that is an essential part of our polity and allows the church to flourish. But he deeply values the spiritual covenantal community and sense of shared purpose that comes from serving on the session as well.
That commitment to a sense of community extends beyond the walls of the congregation for Alex. As the spouse of a mid council leader, he often joins his wife as she visits the 45 congregations within Seattle Presbytery. The opportunity to participate in worship and observe the witness and ministry of each of these churches is one most of us do not have. Alex has noticed the impact of the ongoing effects of the pandemic, shifting demographics, and societal norms on local churches. One of his learnings through this experience is that often we hope for a particular type of diversity and feel disappointed when it doesn’t come to fruition. Instead, we should welcome and celebrate the unexpected aspects of diversity that do show up. Broadening our understanding of what we mean when we say the fullness of our diversity and not limiting that diversity simply to categories can expand opportunities to make space and open opportunities for groups.
Alex hopes that Mercer Island Presbyterian Church’s thriving house-building ministry in Tijuana, Mexico will provide opportunities to foster a re-growth of the once thriving youth ministry. He imagines that the incredible experiences current and former participants share as they “come together, work, sweat together, enjoy and suffer together, and share together in a safe space” will inspire the youth to feel called to be involved.
As a part of strengthening his physical, emotional, and spiritual growth while not currently serving on the session, Alex shared some of his practices and activities, such as being mindful of his health. Good health is critical as a leader, as a ruling elder. He notes that we also have to be strong emotionally. We all seek advice — some express it verbally while others let you know as long as you are willing to listen. And spiritually, that’s the deepest relationship. That’s how we share joy, inspiration, and love. He enjoys cycling, swimming, walking (“the dog, when we get one!”), playing with the grandchildren at their level, and playing piano to strengthen his spiritual growth.
For further inspiration and encouragement to ruling elders, Alex offers, “Be ready with your eyes open for what’s to come!” After all, one of the constitutional questions asked of those being ordained to the office of teaching elder, deacon, and ruling elder is if they will “pray for and seek to serve the people with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love.” Clearly Alex Maxim has answered and continues to answer, “Yes, I will.”
For Reflection:
During the year ahead, take time to review the constitutional questions asked during the ordination of ruling elders found in the Book of Order W-4.0404. Every quarter, intentionally reflect on each component of W.4.0404 h., to “pray for and seek to serve the people with
- “energy”
- “intelligence”
- “imagination”
- “love”
A helpful resource to assist your reflections can be found here. Take time to journal, draw, or meditate — whatever helps you lift up the insights that are brought to light during your reflection.
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 will 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.
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