THE ROLE OF SESSION

Spiritual Leadership & Discernment

  • Oversees the worship, mission, and spiritual direction of the congregation
  • Discerns how the church is called to live faithfully in its particular time and place
  • Ensures that the Word is preached, the Sacraments are rightly celebrated, and the life of discipleship is nurtured

Ruling elders do not “lord it over” the congregation, but serve as spiritual leaders, listening for

the Holy Spirit and measuring the church’s faithfulness to the gospel.

Care of the Congregation

  • Receives and prepares new members through instruction and examination
  • Oversees baptism, profession of faith, and church membership
  • Provides pastoral care and spiritual oversight for the community
  • Supports the life and work of deacons and other ministry leaders

Even when not actively serving on Session, ordained ruling elders continue to bear responsibility

for the ministry of care, witness, and leadership.

Governance & Accountability

As the governing body of the congregation, the Session:

  • Sets vision and policies for the church’s life and ministries
  • Oversees staff, finances, property, and stewardship
  • Ensures the congregation lives in covenant with the wider church

The Session is accountable to the presbytery and participates in the shared governance of the

whole church—locally, regionally, and nationally—because Presbyterians believe we discern

God’s will together.

Connection to the Whole Church

The Session is part of a larger system of shared leadership called councils, which include:

  • Session
  • Presbytery
  • Synod
  • General Assembly

These councils are distinct but interdependent. What one council does is connected to the whole

church, reflecting our belief that Christ calls us into unity, mutual accountability, and shared

mission.

Who Serves on the Session?

Ruling elders are:

  • Elected by the congregation
  • Women and men of wisdom, maturity of faith, compassion, and demonstrated leadership
  • Prepared and examined for ministry before serving
  • Elected for limited terms to encourage broad participation and shared leadership

When elected to higher councils, ruling elders serve with equal voice and vote alongside

ministers of Word and Sacrament.

Why the Session Matters

At its heart, the Session exists to help the church be faithful to Jesus Christ. It is where prayer

meets decision-making, where theology meets daily life, and where the church asks—again and

again: How is God calling us to love, serve, worship, and witness…now?

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