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Church Government
Jesus said, "You did not choose me, but I
chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will
last."
(John 15:16, NIV, adapted)
In the Presbyterian Church, leadership
responsibility is vested in groups of elected officials, not individuals.
A local church is governed by a Session of elected Ruling Elders
and the Pastor. The Session sends delegates to the regional governing
body, in our case the Chicago
Presbytery, which in turn sends delegates to both the Synod
(which governs several regions; our church belongs to the Synod
of Lincoln Trails) and also to the General Assembly, our governing
body on the national level.
We acknowledge that Christ is the Head
of the Church and that He is the Church's true authority. Our
Presbyterian Book of Order professes that "the Holy Scriptures
are the only rule of faith and manners." It is our goal to serve
the Lord and glorify His name by governing our lives and His
local Church according
to the guidelines of the Holy Scripture. Our congregation is
served
by these elected officers:
The Session is
a body of nine elected members and the Pastor who guide the local
Church. Our Book of Order states that their duties include: "to provide
for the growth of its members and for their equipment for ministry
through personal and pastoral care, educational programs including
the church school, sharing in fellowship and mutual support, and
opportunities for witness and service to the world." The Session
also "lead[s] the congregation continually to discover what God is
doing in the world and to plan for change, renewal and reformation
under the Word of God." Subcommittees of the Session include Administration,
Christian Education, Outreach and Evangelism, and Worship and Fellowship.
The Session meets once a month on the second Wednesday of the month.
The
Board of Deacons is a body of nine elected members who "minister
to all those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless,
and to any who may be in distress." The position of deacon, as
set forth in Scripture, is one of "sympathy, witness, and service
after the example of Christ." The Deacons sponsor our festive
Easter Breakfast and Thanksgiving Dinner, and are involved
in assisting those in need in our congregation and community
throughout
the year. The Deacons meet monthly on the first Monday of the
month.
The
Board of Trustees consists of nine elected members who
care for the physical needs of our Church building and attend
to Church financial matters, under the approval of the Session.
The Trustees meet monthly on the third Monday of each month.
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