Thank you for this. In our congregation, the Pastors read preach and lead in all parts of the liturgy (usually), the Ruling Elders lead in the Congregational Prayer (usually), the Congregation participates in the responsive readings, corporate prayers, and singing (always), and we allow trained Lay Readers to do one of the Scripture readings, which has a Reformed pedigree, per my paper on the topic, which you may have seen. Point is - yes, the Ruling Elders should be up front in worship! The Congregational Prayer is a wonderful place for them to use their shepherding gifts, and for the congregation to get to know and trust them - though, as you have said - not without some bumps now and then. Again, thanks for this thoughtful article!