Leadership

What we believe

Presbyterians, like most Protestant churches, believe in what is known as “the priesthood of all believers.” All Christians have equal status in God’s eyes, there is no special class of Christians. However, some people’s gifts are well suited to the tasks of preaching, pastoral care, or other forms of leadership, and these people are “called” to lead the church.

Our leadership consists of Ruling Elders and Teaching Elders who serve on the session, and the Board of Deacons.

The session

The session is the governing body of the local congregation as specified by our constitution, the Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Ruling elders serving on session are chosen and elected by the congregation to three-year terms of leading and guiding the congregation’s witness to the sovereign activity of God in the world, so that the congregation is and becomes a community of faith, hope, love, and witness. The ruling elders, together with the Pastor (teaching elder) exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment and have responsibilities for the life of the church. The session meets monthly and for other meetings called to deal with items of special business. The session also calls meetings of the congregation. The Pastor moderates the session and congregational meetings.

The Deacons

The Deacons minister to those who are in need; to the sick, lonely, and any who may be in distress. Our aim is one of compassion, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ, to demonstrate the Christian role of compassion within a congregation. We provide meals to those in need as well as to those who might be going through a rough time in life and need to know someone cares. We also assist the pastor in the preparation of Holy Communion and help to facilitate special pot-luck meals.

Committees & Commissions

There are also several Committees and Commissions to help in the delegation of ministry. Each commission must have at least two ruling elders and three members of the congregation, but anyone who is part of our worshiping family may serve on them. In our local church these include:

• Worship Commission
• Christian Education Commission
• Mission Commission
• Stewardship Commission
• Property and Grounds Commission
• Memorial Committee