OPC Ruling Elder Podcast a Podcast from the OPC Committee on Christian Education

On Sept. 5, 1986, Sanjay was onboard Pan Am Flight 73. It was hijacked by the PLO in Karachi, Pakistan. Sanjay survived, but was seriously injured, including subsequently undergoing the amputation of a leg. His cousin was the first person killed by the hijackers. 22 people died. Listen to his account of how God worked all things for good and brought new life out of the horror of a terrorist attack. As an elder he now asks people in their suffering to think—what glory will God have from this? ...

Gregory Reynolds interviews David VanDrunen about his latest book, Natural Law: A Short Companion, (B&H Academic, 2023, 160 pages).For more on Natural Law in Ordained Servant see the following;David VanDrunen, “Natural Law in Reformed Theology: Historical Reflections and Biblical Suggestions.” OS 21 (2012): 32-38. Available here. Nelson D. Kloosterman, “A Biblical Case for Natural Law: A Response Essay.” OS 16 (2007): 101-7. Available here.David VanDrunen, “VanDrunen in the Hands of an An...

Stephen Tracey talks with Joshua Klein about work and flourishing, being faithful and loving in response to God.Joshua A. Klein is a ruling elder in Pilgrim OPC, Bangor ME. He is editor-in-chief of Mortise & Tenon Magazine. He has presented about historic craftsmanship at museums around the United States and has written articles for Fine Woodworking, Popular Woodworking, and American Period Furniture. Joshua is author of four books, including Joined: A Bench Guide to Furniture Joine...

Greg Reynolds talks to Stephen Tracey about how ruling elders respond to conflict in the church, whether it is among members, among the session, or with the pastor.More Resources“A Training Program for Elders.” (Greg Reynolds & William Shishko) 10:3 (Jul. 2001): 55-58. Available here. The updated version of this training program titled Let Them Serve is available from Greg upon request. reynolds.1@opc.orgBooks on Conflict resolution in the church recommended by Greg:Marshall Sh...

Stephen Tracey talks to Thomas Crumplar about the issue of domestic abuse. Tom is a ruling elder at Emmanuel OPC in Wilmington, Delaware, and co-founder of the law firm Jacobs and Crumplar, P. A.The New Horizons edition for February 1997 featured several articles on Domestic violence. It is available here. Also the edition for January 2021, available here.Suggested further reading:Jeremy Pierre & Greg Wilson, When Home Hurts: A Guide for Responding Wisely to Domestic Abuse in Your C...

Stephen Tracey interviews his good friends Doug and Liz Babbitt on how elders can welcome, include, and connect with people affected by autism.We must remember that "the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable" (1 Corinthians 12:22 ESV)Further reading on Autism and the Church Grant Macaskill, Autism and the Church: Bible, Theology, and Community (Waco, TX: Baylor University Press, 2019) See Harrison Perkins’ online review of Macaskill’s book here Joni and...