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Elders
In Old and New Testament times, there were elders and persons with particular gifts to share in governing and ministry. The same is true today.
Elders are chosen by the people and, together with ministers, they exercise leadership, government and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a particular church as well as the church at large, including ecumenical relationships. They serve as members of the session and, when elected to higher governing bodies, they participate and vote with the same authority as ministers of the Word and Sacrament.
Elders should be persons of faith, dedication and good judgment and 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 to strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation committed to their charge. Together with the pastor, they provide encouragement to 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 the people especially the poor, sick, lonely and oppressed and they inform the pastor and session of those persons and structures needing special attention. They also assist in worship and in specific circumstances may administer the Lord’s Supper.
At First Presbyterian Church, we have 30 elders who are elected to serve a 3-year term with 1/3 rotating off each year as 10 new elders join the current 2 classes.
Deacons
So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:1-4
The office of deacon as set forth in the Scripture is one of sympathy, witness and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies and sound judgment should be chosen for this office.
It is the deacon’s duty, first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith. They assume other duties as may be delegated by the session, such as, leading the people in worship through prayers of intercession, reading the Scriptures, presenting the gifts of the people and assisting with the Lord’s Supper.
Deacons may be organized as a board or may be individually commissioned by the session.
At First Presbyterian Church, we have 36 deacons who are elected to serve a 3-year term with 1/3 rotating off each year as 12 new deacons join the current 2 classes.
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