A Note From Dean; The Role of The Elders and The Session
A Note from Dean for the Weekly Email
March 6, 2024
Dear Friends,
Some among us are asking for greater transparency from your Session, the ruling body of eleven Elders elected by the congregation. So let me respond by first sharing with everyone what some of our PC(USA) Book of Order (our constitution) says about the role of the Elders and the Session.
WARNING: THIS MATERIAL IS NOT SCINTILLATING, BUT IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO KNOW
Under G-2.0301 the BofO defines Ruling Elders:
As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government of the people, so the New Testament church provided persons with particular gifts to share in discernment of God’s Spirit and governance of God’s people. Accordingly, congregations should elect persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having demonstrated skills in leadership and being compassionate in spirit. Ruling elders are so named not because they “lord it over” the congregation (Matt.20:25), but because they are chosen by the congregation to discern and measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life. Ruling elders, together with teaching elders (clergy), exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of the congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships.
And the Session:
The session has responsibility and power to:
a. Provide that the Word of God may be truly preached and heard.
b. Provide that the Sacraments may be rightly administered and received.
c. Nurture the covenant community of disciples of Christ. G-3.0201 BoO
Let me add what is fully said about “c”:
This responsibility shall include ordaining, receiving, dismissing, installing, removing, and disciplining its members who are teaching elders (clergy); commissioning ruling elders to limited pastoral service; promoting the peace and harmony of congregations and inquiring into the sources of congregational discord, supporting congregations in developing the graces of generosity, stewardship, and service; assisting congregations in developing mission and participating in the mission of the whole church; taking jurisdiction over the members of dissolved congregations and granting transfers of their membership to other congregations; warning and bearing witness against error in doctrine and immorality in practice within its bounds; and serving in judicial matters in accordance with the Rules of Discipline.
As I’ve said before, I’m impressed by how hard working and dedicated your Session is. They deal with everything from finances to Christian Education for all ages; from worship to stewardship; from mission, personnel and property to nominating new officers. They deserve your support.