Leadership

Planning and Working Together

Presbyterian churches operate on the basis of a representative style of governance.  Both pastors and officers from within the congregation (elders and deacons) are elected by the members.  And anyone who possesses the requisite gifts and can affirm, in good conscience, the basic beliefs of the Presbyterian Church is eligible to be elected–regardless of gender, age, race, or any other condition.

The Session

The Session is the governing body that oversees all aspects of the church’s life and exercises responsibility for the spiritual well-being of our members.  People in the congregation who display spiritual leadership qualities may be elected as “elders” and installed for a three-year term on this board.  Together with the pastor, they prayerfully seek to discern God’s will for the church and provide overall direction for its ministry.  Most of the actual planning and implementation of programs is carried out by leadership teams chaired by a Session member and including other members of the congregation.  The existing teams are Christian Education, Mission and Outreach, Properties and Finance, and Worship and Family Life.

The Board of Deacons

The deacons carry out a ministry of compassion, witness, and service.  They support and encourage members of our church family going through difficulties with cards, visits, and meals.  They reach out to needy families in the community by providing holiday meals and supporting local ministries.  They also serve within the congregation by handling communion preparations and changing the chancel paraments.    

“Will you fulfill your office in obedience to Jesus Christ, under the authority of Scripture, and be continually guided by our confessions?”

“Will you seek to serve the people with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love?”

                                                                             (Two of the vows taken by Presbyterian office-holders)