Ruling Elders and Better Preaching

OPC Ruling Elder Podcast

What can ruling elders do to promote better preaching?
On this issue of the Ruling Elder podcast, John Currie, OPC pastor and Professor and Dean of Pastoral Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, discusses why this is so important and gives practical suggestions on how and when to do it, and, just as importantly, how not to do it.
The OPC Form of Government says “[Ruling Elders] should have particular concern for the doctrine and conduct of the minister of the Word and help him in his labors.” (Fg. X.3)
Several resources are also available online at Ordained Servant.

• “What Ruling Elders Can Do to Promote Better Preaching.” (Edwin J. Kreykes) 11:2 (Apr. 2002): 40-42. https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV11N2.pdf
• “How to Assess a Sermon: A Checklist for Ruling Elders.” (William Shishko) 12:2 (Apr. 2003): 43-44. https://opc.org/OS/pdf/OSV12N2.pdf
• “What Is Faithful Preaching?” (Alan D. Strange) 27 (2018): 25-30. https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=686

Further Reading

• T. David Gordon, Why Johnny Can’t Preach: The Media Have Shaped the Messengers, (P&R Publishing; 2009)
• Christopher J Gordon, “How to Evaluate Your Pastor” in Faithful and Fruitful: Essays for Elders and Deacons, eds. William Boekestein and Steven Swets, (Reformed Fellowship Inc. 2019, pp. 181-193).
• Christopher Ash, Listen Up: A Practical Guide to Listening to Sermons, (The Good Book Company, 2009)
• John Angell James, An Earnest Ministry: The Want of the Times, (Banner of Truth Trust)
• Charles Spurgeon, “The Necessity of Ministerial Progress” in Lectures to My Students, (Banner of Truth Trust)

John’s recommneded reading for Ruling Elders

• John Calvin, Institutes of Christian Religion
• R. B. Kuiper, The Glorious Body of Christ: A Scriptural Appreciation of the One Holy Church, (Banner of Truth Trust)
• Harry Reeder, From Embers to a Flame: How God Can Revitalize Your Church, (P&R Publishing, 2008)