Elders & Session
Church Officers
Elders – active members, both men and women, elected to be the spiritual and organizational leaders of the church. They make decisions regarding policy, finances, trusteeship, personnel, program, and vision. FPC has 30 elders on its session. Click here for the 2011 Councils and Committee members.
Minister of Word and Sacrament – men and women called and ordained to serve local congregations as pastors or in other specialized ministries. Generally, ministers have completed three years of seminary and hold a Master of Divinity degree. Ministers moderate the session, officiate in the sacraments, and are members of the local Presbytery.
Church Government Structure
Session – governing body of the local church, made up of elders elected by and from the congregation to serve a three year term. The session is moderated by the Pastor. The Session is responsible for the mission and the government of the church. Therefore it is the responsibility of the Session for oversight of staff, programs, organizations and budget of the church. Responsibility for planning and executing most programs is delegated to Councils and Committees which report to the Session. Responsibility for receiving new members, ordaining new officers, confirming church goals and approving the annual budget are not delegated. Read the latest Session Synopsis.