For Elders Only

G-6.0302 of our Book of Order states that “when elected commissioners to higher governing bodies, elders participate and vote with the same authority as ministers of the Word and Sacrament.” It is clear. We elders bear responsibility along with pastors to govern and minister within the PC(USA). Thus, there is no reason why pastors should dominate the floor of presbytery.

So if you have the opportunity this year to be a commissioner from your session to presbytery, ACCEPT THE OFFER! Lay aside any other plans, unless you’re sick or someone close to you has died, and make every effort to get active in the work of your presbytery.

Right now, and over the next several months, presbyteries are voting on amendments to the Constitution that were brought forward by the 213th General Assembly. These amendments are important. You need to understand them, and to be present in order to speak and vote on them.

Here are some tips to help you as you accept the challenge and join the elder’s fellowship of the sweaty palms.

1. Begin with prayer. Being a commissioner to presbytery is work that God has placed before you as an ordained officer of the church. Ask for wisdom, understanding, and the ability to complete the work God and your session have set before you.
2. Do your homework. Before presbytery meets, each commissioner should receive a packet of material that will include a booklet entitled Proposed Amendments to the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). Read the material, and if you have questions, call your pastor. If s/he is unable to answer your questions, ask around — there may be a network of pastors and elders meeting together within the bounds of your presbytery who share your concerns. A network is a wonderful way to connect with others, and to discuss common concerns. They would love to include you. These networks are a rich resource.
3. Decide on one amendment that you would like to speak about. This year, there are eight.
4. Think about one point that you would like to make about the amendment to which you have chosen to speak. Making a single point allows the other commissioners to remember what you’ve said.
5. Most presbyteries allow 2 minutes per speech, alternating pro and con.
6. Write down exactly what you’d like to say. Allow yourself the freedom to say what you believe is the focus of your concern. Don’t be afraid to make it personal. Speak about what you know.
7. Time yourself with a stopwatch.
8. Now be brutal. Your speech is probably too long. Begin to edit all that is extraneous. Read it until you are comfortable that you can make your point in 2 minutes or less. If it’s exactly 2 minutes long, do some more editing. You want to be sure that you will not be interrupted and told that your time is up. After all the effort that you’ve put into this project, you want to make sure you are able to make your point.
9. Make sure that within the 2-minute time period you include, “Mr./Madame Moderator, my name is _____, and I’m an elder from ________ church.” The last thing you should say before you sit down is, “please vote no/yes on Amendment __________.”
10. Now, put your speech aside for a while. This means starting your preparations long before the date of the presbytery meeting. Let it sit for a couple of days, then go back and make sure you have said exactly what you intend to say.
11. Practice, practice, practice. It’s fine to read your speech. But practice it enough be able to read it in a natural, clear, and unaffected tone.
12. Read your speech to a friend or a family member who you trust and who will be helpful with their feedback.
13. Leave some time before you travel to presbytery for prayer. God has promised to supply all your needs — including the strength to stand and speak.
14. Make every effort to arrive at presbytery on time, and plan to stay until the gavel drops at the conclusion of business. It is important to experience every part of the meeting and to commit yourself to all the presbytery’s business — even those parts that you aren’t too interested in.
15. When it is time for speeches on the issue to which you’ve chosen to speak, move immediately to the appropriate microphone. Do not hesitate. You’ve put time and effort into preparing your speech. Now, you want to be able to present it.
16. When it’s your turn to speak, take a deep breath, speak into the microphone, and address your remarks directly to the Moderator.

When the vote has been taken and the ballots have been tallied, your argument may have won or lost. But remember, God has not called you to “win.” God has called you to be obedient and faithful. Your brothers and sisters in presbytery feel just as strongly as you do about the position they have taken. So, it is important to find honest ways to be loving and kind to one another, because we all stand together at the foot of the cross, in humility, asking for God’s will to be accomplished in every matter. And with the apostle Paul, “we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” We can be confident, therefore, that God has used us and that he will continue to use us in the up building of His church.

Now that you’ve had the experience of speaking before presbytery, commit yourself to becoming involved in other ways in the life of the church beyond your congregation. Make it known to your presbytery’s Nominating Committee that you’re willing to serve on a committee, or ask your session or pastor to submit your name. Be willing to serve as a commissioner for a year. There’s much to learn. And perhaps one day, God willing, you will have the opportunity to serve your presbytery as a commissioner to the General Assembly.

But for now, work on writing that speech!