Who Can Officiate Weddings In The Pcusa?

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has recently undergone changes to its rules around marriage, including who can officiate a wedding. The norm is that the officiant should be an ordained teaching elder, but with the rise of smaller churches, it has become common to authorize commissioned ruling elders to officiate at marriage ceremonies. Before this can happen, a ruling elder needs to be trained and commissioned to a particular place for a particular time. This commission is reviewed annually and includes the ability to officiate weddings, communion, and baptisms for that congregation, with approval from the session or church board.

Who can officiate a wedding in the Presbyterian Church?

The Presbyterian Church's rules on marriage have been a subject of debate and change in recent years. The person who officiates a wedding needs to be authorised to do so by the state in which the marriage occurs. In most states, the church decides who is authorised to officiate weddings.

The Presbyterian norm is that the officiant should be a minister who is an ordained teaching elder. However, with the rise of smaller churches served by commissioned ruling elders, it has become common to authorise these ruling elders to officiate weddings where the state allows.

Before being commissioned, a ruling elder needs to be trained. The Book of Order allows each presbytery to set its own standards for training requirements. Training often includes areas such as Bible overview, Reformed theology, worship and sacraments, teaching and preaching, polity, pastoral care, and programs and missions of the PC(USA).

Commissioned ruling elders are not "called" pastoral leaders in the sense that the Book of Order speaks of "called and installed pastors." They are "commissioned" to specific forms of pastoral functions and are reviewed annually. This means that they can only officiate weddings, communion, and baptisms for that portion of the body of Christ and with the approval of the session.

While the Presbyterian Church's definition of Christian marriage is between a woman and a man, ministers can perform same-sex marriages in states where such marriages are legal. However, no teaching elder or session can be forced to conduct a same-sex marriage ceremony if they do not believe it is appropriate.

What is the role of a ruling elder?

Ruling elders are an integral part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), also known as PC(USA). They are elected by the congregation and are responsible for the spiritual discernment and governance of the church, alongside ministers of word and sacrament.

The role of a ruling elder is a significant one within the church. Ruling elders are chosen by the congregation based on their wisdom, maturity of faith, leadership skills, and compassionate spirit. They are not meant to "lord it over" the congregation but rather to serve them. They are responsible for discerning and measuring the congregation's fidelity to the Word of God and nurturing its faith and life.

Ruling elders have a responsibility to exercise leadership and provide discipline within the church. They work in partnership with teaching elders, and their role extends beyond the walls of the congregation. They are involved in ecumenical relationships and have a role in the wider church community.

In terms of training, there is no standardized curriculum, and each presbytery sets its own requirements. However, training often includes areas such as Bible study, Reformed theology, worship and sacraments, preaching and teaching, polity, pastoral care, and the programs and mission of the PC(USA).

Ruling elders also have the authority to officiate weddings, but only for the specific congregation they serve and with the approval of the session. This authority is limited to a particular time and place and is reviewed annually.

What is the process of commissioning a ruling elder?

The process of commissioning a ruling elder involves several steps and requirements, as outlined by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) or PC(USA). Here is a detailed description of the process:

• Endorsement and Evaluation: The individual seeking to become a Commissioned Ruling Elder (CRE) must receive endorsement from the Session of their church. The Session is the governing body of a congregation in the Presbyterian Church. The CRE candidate is then evaluated and received by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry (CPM). This committee guides and supports the candidate through their preparation for ministry.
• Study and Preparation: With the CPM's authorization, the CRE candidate engages in study and preparation for their role. This includes acquiring competency in areas such as Bible studies, Reformed theology, sacraments, Presbyterian polity, preaching, leading worship, pastoral care, and teaching. The CPM supervises and directs this phase of preparation.
• Field Education: The CRE candidate completes a mandatory field education requirement, which involves hands-on experience in a congregation or field of service. This provides practical training and allows the candidate to apply their skills in a real-world setting.
• Examination and Designation: After completing their training, the CPM administers a comprehensive written exam and evaluates the delivery of a sermon by the candidate. If the candidate demonstrates competency, they are designated as an Eligible Commissioned Ruling Elder (ECRE) and are ready to be considered for commissioning.
• Recommendation and Commissioning: The ECRE candidate is recommended to the Committee on Ministry (COM) by the CPM. The COM then recommends the candidate to the Presbytery, which is the regional governing body of the Presbyterian Church. The Presbytery approves and commissions the ECRE to a particular congregation or field of service, often for a specified period, such as up to three years.
• Covenant Agreement: The Session of the congregation draws up a Covenant Agreement between the ECRE and the congregation. This agreement specifies the duties, expectations, terms of employment, compensation, benefits, and other relevant details of the CRE's service.
• Training and Support: Once commissioned, the CRE regularly meets with a mentor and supervisor assigned by the COM. The CRE is also encouraged to participate in continuing education and may consult with their mentor and supervisor for recommendations. The Presbytery provides support, education, and spiritual enrichment to CREs serving in congregations.
• Renewal or Termination: Towards the end of the initial term of the commission, if both the congregation and the CRE desire to renew, they make a request to the COM for renewal. The COM reviews the commission and makes a recommendation to the Presbytery for action. Alternatively, the commission may be terminated at the discretion of the Session, the CRE, or the COM, with the approval of the Presbytery.

It is important to note that the specific process and requirements may vary slightly between different Presbyteries and congregations within the PC(USA). However, the overall process involves endorsement, evaluation, training, examination, commissioning, and ongoing support and renewal.

What is the role of a teaching elder?

A teaching elder is responsible for the spiritual leadership of a church. They are also sometimes referred to as pastors or overseers.

Teaching elders are responsible for preaching and teaching the Word of God, as well as providing pastoral care and leadership to the congregation. They are called to shepherd the flock of Jesus Christ through the faithful ministry of the Word and to lead by godly example.

In addition to preaching and teaching, teaching elders may also be responsible for administering sacraments such as baptism and communion, as well as performing weddings and funerals. They are also responsible for helping to settle disputes within the church and making important decisions.

Teaching elders are held to a high standard of accountability and are expected to meet specific qualifications, including being able to teach and having a godly life. The congregation, in turn, has a responsibility to respond willingly and joyfully to the teaching elder's leadership, as well as to provide material support and pray for them.

What is the Presbyterian Church's definition of marriage?

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) defines marriage as a "unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman". This definition was approved by a majority vote, with 86 out of 171 presbyteries voting in favour of the change.

The new definition reads:

> Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family. Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman, to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. The sacrificial love that unites the couple sustains them as faithful and responsible members of the church and the wider community. In civil law, marriage is a contract that recognizes the rights and obligations of the married couple in society. In the Reformed tradition, marriage is also a covenant in which God has an active part, and which the community of faith publicly witnesses and acknowledges.

The change in definition permits ministers to officiate same-sex weddings in their churches. However, no pastor or congregation can be forced to officiate or host a same-sex wedding if they do not believe it is appropriate.

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