The Book of Church Order (BCO) of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) defines the form of government to be used by City Pres and each of our sister churches across the PCA. Chapter 24 of the BCO defines the process to be used for the nomination, instruction, election, ordination and installation of ruling elders at individual PCA churches. I completed this process the first time at Midway Presbyterian Church, in metro Atlanta, where I served as an elder for 18 years.

There were far too many blessings to recount during this time of service. I witnessed many amazing things as God worked in my life, in my marriage, in my family and in the covenant community at Midway. There were fond occasions of joy, for example, participating in the baptism of covenant children, later hearing their profession of faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and admitting them to the Lord’s Table. There were times of struggle. It hurt seeing good friends leave the church over a matter that divided the congregation. There were times of sorrow. Shortly after the Lord called my dear Teresa to glory, it was hard walking with a fellow elder going through the same trial. I found my go to bible passage for those dark of nights of the soul that we encounter in this life: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.” (2 Cor. 4:7-10) The Lord is good! Through all the blessings, struggles and sorrow, this was a time of growth in His grace and knowledge.

I began this process a second time in September of last year when I was nominated for the office of ruling elder at City Pres. Elder training, the second step of the process, began last January and ended last Sunday. I am so thankful for the opportunity to complete the training. I was immensely blessed by my participation in it. The content was thought-provoking. The conversation was edifying. The fellowship was encouraging. The exam was challenging. I learned much about ministry in a different context than I’ve been accustomed. I was reassured that the Lord can work through someone as weak as I am to build up the body of Christ. I was reminded “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Eph. 4:4-6)

Brothers and sisters, it is up to you to complete the next step of the process. Pursuant to Chapter 24 of the BCO, you have the responsibility to elect your elders. In other words, the Lord will use you to affirm each candidate’s calling to serve as an elder as you have seen it play out in the life of the City Pres covenant community. Unless providentially hindered, I encourage you to be present this Sunday for worship and the congregational meeting to elect your elders.

Blessings, Charlie Bursi