Leadership

Leadership at EburgPres

EPC is governed by its Session, which is made up of the pastor (plus co-pastors and associate pastors if there are any) and the elders serving their elected terms.

Elders are the spiritual leaders of the church. The Greek word for elder in scripture is “Presbyteros” which is where the Presbyterian Church derives its name. A Presbyterian church is one that is governed by elders.

Elders are chosen by the congregation. Elders should be persons of faith, dedication, and good judgment. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel, both within the church and in the world.

It is the duty of elders, individually and jointly, to strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation committed to their charge. Together with the pastor, they should encourage the people in the worship and service of God, equip and renew them for their tasks within the church and for their mission in the world, visit and comfort and care for the people, with special attention to the poor, the sick, the lonely, and those who are oppressed. They should inform the pastor and session of those persons and structures which may need special attention. They should assist in worship. Those duties which all Christians are bound to perform by the law of love are especially incumbent upon elders because of their calling to office and are to be fulfilled by them as official responsibilities.

Elders may be elected to serve on Session, the church’s governing body. Once their term on Session is complete, they remain elders and should continue in their duty as spiritual leaders.

Session is the highest governing body within an individual church and consists of the pastor (plus co-pastors and associate pastors if there are any) and the elders serving their elected terms. This body is governed by the Essential Tenets, Polity and Discipline of the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians Church (ECO). As a group the pastor and men and women elders of the session are in a voluntary covenanted relationship with one another and with God through Jesus Christ. Session depends upon this fellowship and is designed to work with trust and love.

Roles within Session

The pastor is the Moderator of Session. Each Session elder chairs – or co-chairs – a particular ministry/committee: Stewardship (and Personnel), Properties, Worship and Music, Missions, Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Adult Ed./Small Groups, and Congregational Life. Session elects a Clerk of Session. The Clerk is responsible for keeping the records of the session meetings. The Moderator may appoint an elder to be in charge of other specific clerical duties, such as documents and membership.

Regular session meetings are once a month. From time to time there may be special “called” meetings by the pastor/moderator to take care of specific business. Session Meetings are conducted using the most current version of Robert’s Rules of Order. For regular “stated” meetings the Church Treasurer is asked to be present to give his/her report of the last month’s income and expenses. Reports will be asked for from every ministry of Session. For elders this means relaying information (in writing or orally) regarding their ministry to the group.

Ministry Meetings

These organization meetings are usually once a month and include the elder(s) and volunteer or elected members.