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The Ruling Elder Program
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
The quality of a Ruling Elder’s ministry depends upon his personal devotion
to the Lord, his knowledge of the Word of God, his understanding of the biblical
form of church government and his specific function within that system of
government. Therefore, the proper training of Ruling Elders and candidates for
the Ruling Eldership is of great importance to the church. This training has been
woefully neglected by the Presbyterian Church and her seminaries through the
years. The Master of Ministry for Ruling Elders
(M.M.R.E.) program, which includes training
in personal piety, knowledge of the Bible, and
understanding of Presbyterian church government,
is offered to help reverse this neglect.
The M.M.R.E. program is designed to help the
Ruling Elder function on the Session, Presbytery,
and General Assembly levels in a biblical fashion.
However, the fact that Greenville Seminary
offers these programs for the training and/or continuing education of Ruling Elders
in no way implies that a seminary education is needed for the Ruling Elder to function
properly in his office.
THE CURRICULUM
The curriculum for the M.M.R.E. is divided into two segments. The first provides
the Ruling Elder with a thorough knowledge of the content, structure, and
system of doctrine of the Bible and aims to strengthen the Ruling Elder’s ability
to “rightly handle the Word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). The second segment is designed
to give the Ruling Elder a thorough grounding in Presbyterian Church History,
Presbyterian Polity, and the specific duties and ministry of the Ruling Elder. The
courses required are listed below:
| Segment I | ||
Total Hours Ruling Elder Program 33 |
OT 11 OT Survey | NT 14 NT Survey |
| OT 34 OT Biblical Theology | NT 41 NT Biblical Theology | |
| ST 11 Intro. to Reformed Theology | AT 21 Hermeneutics | |
| Segment II | ||
| HT 12 Presbyterian Church History | AT 32 Reformed Worship | |
| ST 42 Ecclesiology and Polity | AT 43 Reformed Pastor | |
| AP 42 Ethics | AT 46 Pastoral Counseling |
RESIDENCY AND DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
M.M.R.E. courses are offered in the Fall and Spring Semesters and during the Summer Term. The requirements of the M.M.R.E. program may be completed in as little as two years of full-time study at gpts. The degree may also be completed under the Mentor-supervised Distance Education Program (see p. 23). However, the Seminary cautions against any active Ruling Elder’s over-extending himself by rushing through the program. Therefore the candidate may take up to five years to complete his program of study. This time limit may be extended by faculty vote.
ADMISSION NOTE
Admission to the M.M.R.E. program is restricted to ordained Ruling Elders, or
other men, who have been recommended by their church leadership to enter the program. Applicants seeking the M.M.R.E. degree must hold a B.A. degree or its equivalent.
Applicants without a B.A. will be admitted to the program but will receive
a Certificate in Ministry for Ruling Elders. All interested men who meet the above
qualifications are invited to apply.
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