Call Seekers

Are you feeling called to ministry in JOhn Knox Presbytery?

"The call to ordered ministry in the church is the act of the triune god."

Presbyterians believe that “The call to ordered ministry in the Church is the act of the triune God. This call is evidenced by the movement of the Holy Spirit in the individual conscience, the approval of a community of God’s people, and the concurring judgment of a council of the Church.” – PC(USA) Book of Order G-2.0103 (2025-2027 Edition)

Are you feeling that God is asking you to do more but you aren’t quite sure what? Are those around you encouraging you to explore new ways to serve God and the church? If so, this may be the beginnings of a call to Ordination!

We have three “Ordered Ministries” in the PC(USA): Teaching Elders (or Ministers of Word and Sacrament), Deacons, and Ruling Elders.

Teaching elders

Teaching Elders, otherwise called Ministers of the Word and Sacrament, teach the faith by word and deed and equip the saints for the work of ministry. They are often found behind pulpits, beside Communion tables, visiting our homes, and out in our communities.

Commissioned Ruling Elders

Commissioned Ruling Elders (CREs) are ordained PC(USA) Ruling Elders who feel called to expanded pastoral leadership. They serve in flexible roles—such as solo or associate pastors, or in ministries like preaching, pastoral care, or Christian education. CREs may serve part-time or full-time, with one or multiple congregations, and are especially needed in smaller, rural churches.

Ruling Elders

A Ruling Elder’s ministry requires leadership and compassion. They are chosen to ensure our churches maintain a right relationship to God through worship and to strengthen and nurture the faith of their church and community.

Deacons

A Deacon’s ministry is one of compassion and witness, sharing God’s love to those in need. Often, our churches have a group of Deacons who support the members of the church and the surrounding community.

Your Pastor or any members of your Session can help you learn more about Ordination in the PC(USA). Pray and listen for God to speak to you!

Are you already ordained as a teaching elder or a commissioned ruling elder?

With over 50 member churches, John Knox Presbytery often has a variety of Pastoral openings. Opportunities to serve in our churches vary from small, rural congregations in need of part-time ministers to large urban congregations searching for help with everything from financial support to pastoral ministry. If you are an Ordained or Commissioned Pastor, we would love to share our part of the world with you!