As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government of the people, so the New Testament church provided persons with particular gifts to share in diiscernment of God's Spirit and governance of God's people. Accordingly, the congretagions should elect persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having demonstrated skills in leadership and being compassionate in spirit. Ruling elders are so named not becase they "lord it over" the congregation (Matt. 20:25), but because they are chosen by the congregation to discern and measure its fidelity the the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life. Ruling elders, together with teaching elders (pastors), exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships. When elected by the congregation, they shall serve faighfully as members of the session. When elected as commissioners to higher councils, ruling elders participate and vote with the same authority as teaching elders, and they are eligible for any office. (from The Book of Order 2011 - 2013)
Clerk of Session (Records Keeper) & Ruling Elder
Linda Cameron - LCameron@ercpa.com
417-742-3878
417-849-9228 cell
Ruling Elders moderate the congregation's formal Mission Teams.
Facilities and property Mission Team
- Ed Bunge
417-833-0221
417-860-0722 cell
Faith Development Mission Team
- Holly Goodin - HGoodi@carter-waters.com
- Connie Whaley
417-864-8227
Funding the Church Mission Team
(including Memorials and Gifts)
Health Ministries Mission Team
- Daniel Dale - Resigned in December
Member Care
Nominating Committee
Personnel and Leadership Mission Team
- Jim Wollard - jameswollard@gmail.com
417-883-3536
417-848-3945 cell
Reaching Out
Worship Mission Team
