Elders
Elders
Elders are elected by the congregation to discern and measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life. Elders, together with the pastor, exercise leadership, government, and spiritual discernment. They have responsibilities for the whole church.
Session
The governing body of the church is called the Session. It is composed of eighteen elders, the pastor and the clerk of Session. The elders serve three year terms. Each year six new elders are elected to replace the elders who have completed their term. The Session meets monthly to administer any final decisions required by the staff or teams.
Most teams are chaired by an elder. All teams provide a monthly report to Session.
Governing Documents
Community Presbyterian Church has by-laws that are voted on and maintained by the members of the congregation. They are based on documents of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The documents are the Book of Order and the Book of Confessions. The session approves all documents, committee by-laws and resolutions, manuals, forms, etc.