Faith / Discipleship Leader


Ruling Elder

“An elder (overseer) must be … sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.” 1 Timothy 3:2Gary was attracted to Christ Presbyterian Church and the PCA’s (Presbyterian Church in America) commitment to the Gospel of Grace, Biblical Understanding, and the Reformed Faith.

As a Ruling Elder for over a dozen years, shepherding responsibilities include oversight of the Hospitality Ministry, oversight of the North Community Group, teacher for Adult Education, rotating in leading Congregational Worship, occasional Preaching, and Visitation. He was chairman of the Pastoral Search Committee, which selected a candidate who eventually started a successful branch church, which has been particularized and owns its own building.

Gary also co-led the project that installed a steeple on top of the church building. He has assisted the Pastor in the training of deacon and elder candidates in doctrine and in shepherding in preparation for their ordination exams. He is the only Ruling Elder on the Shepherding Committee of the Chicago Presbytery. 

C.S. Lewis Institute Fellows Program of Chicago

The goal of the C.S. Lewis Institute is not to make fans of C.S. Lewis but to develop disciples of Jesus Christ. The Institute aims to nurture wholehearted followers who articulate, defend, share, and live their faith in all areas of life, following the example of C.S. Lewis in engaging both heart and mind. The C.S. Lewis Institute Fellows Program offers a full year of intensive discipleship that leads to significant life-transformation. The Fellows program focuses on discipleship of both heart and mind. It involves active engagement with the Word of God including scripture memorization, classic readings, articles and videos primarily from evangelical and reformed authors, lectures focused on the theme by professors, authors and pastors, small group processing, personal spiritual one-on one mentoring and accountability - all in the context of a small group of like-minded believers. This program is designed for those who want to intentionally live as fully committed disciples of Jesus Christ and make an impact for Him in the world. The resources, for each month focus on a single, fundamental theological theme. and are offered in a variety of ways, including, lectures, mentors, small groups, books, articles, plus audio and video recordings in a non-denominational setting. Gary is so honored to be part of such an effective and life-changing program now for the past decade as a mentor. He initially went through the program, even though he already had a seminary degree, to better assist himself in the pursuit of gaining more knowledge, understanding and wisdom in the pursuit of God’s truth, experiencing the dynamics of transformation and personal growth, and in better establishing more solid disciplines, patterns and habits of learning for the future. The program more than met those goals and expectations.

Theological Education

Gary Templin’s Theological Training

B.A. – Washington Bible College, Lanham, MD
M.Div. (Master of Divinity) – Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL
Certificate – C.S. Lewis Institute Fellows Program, Chicago, IL
From Embers to A Flame Conference, Naperville, IL
The Charles Simeon Trust Workshop on Biblical Exposition, Wheaton, IL


Elder

At Christ Presbyterian Church, being an elder can be summed up in one word: shepherd. Our elders are men who genuinely love Christ and care deeply for His people. They serve as teachers, leaders, and equippers—helping the whole church grow and engage in ministry.This isn’t a church where one pastor is expected to carry everything alone. Elders share the work of spiritual care and leadership alongside the pastor. Together, they pray, lead, make decisions, and provide pastoral oversight as a unified team.Each member and family is connected with an elder-shepherd who stays in regular contact. Elders are here to be a steady resource—someone you can reach out to with questions, talk things through with, or seek counsel from when you need it. It creates a strong support system within the church, with trusted people you can depend on.Ruling Elders are selected from qualified male members of the congregation, elected by the church, and then ordained and installed by the Session.