Most decisions about the life and work of the congregation are made by the session of a congregation. The session consists of its minister or ministers, active members of the Order of Diaconal Ministries (if there is one working in the congregation) and ruling elders.

Ruling elders therefore have a tremendous responsibility and many opportunities to do the work of Christ. The leadership provided by the elders (ruling and teaching elders working together), should help a congregation move ahead in ministry. If elders are ready to face the challenges of a new culture and to seek to minister the Good News of God’s love in Christ in ways that truly speak to that new culture, the future is as bright as the promises of God.

Ruling elders in The Presbyterian Church in Canada are elected by members of the congregation, approved by a session, and ordained by the moderator (minister) who is both a teaching elder and member of presbytery. In the ordination service, elders are told that all ministries of the church proceed from and are sustained by the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ furnishes the church with officers, among whom are ruling elders.