The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) recognizes a distinction between Teaching Elders (ministers of the Word) and Ruling Elders (governors of the church). Chapter 8 paragraphs 9 and 10 of the PCA’s Book of Church Order clarify this distinction as existing within the one office of Elder, “8-9. As there were in the Church under the law, elders of the peole for the government thereof, so in the Gospel Church, Christ has furnished others besides ministers of the Word with gifts and commission to govern when called thereunto, who are called ruling elders. 9-10. Elders being of one class of office, ruling elders posses the same authority and eligibility to office in the courts of the Church as teaching elders. They should, moreover, cultivate zealously their own aptness to teach the Bible and should improve every opportunity of doing so.”
Antioch’s current session of elders includes the following men:
- Pastor Zachary Groff – Teaching Elder; Full-time Pastor & Moderator of Session
- Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr., PhD, DD – Teaching Elder; Part-time Pastor
- Mr. Jeffrey A. Danes – Ruling Elder
- Mr. J. Richard Long – Ruling Elder; Clerk of Session
Antioch’s Session of Elders in March 2026: (left to right) Jeff Danes, Joey Pipa, Zack Groff, & Rick Long
