PCOTW Leadership

All ministry in the Church is a gift from Jesus Christ. Members and officers alike serve mutually under the mandate of Christ who is the chief minister of all. His ministry is the basis of all ministries; the standard for all offices is the pattern of the one who came “not to be served but to serve.” (Matthew 20:28)

One responsibility of membership in the church is the election of officers who are ordained to fulfill particular functions. The existence of the congregation offices in no way diminishes the importance of the commitment of all members to the total ministry of the church. The ordained officers differ from other members in function only.

The Church offices mentioned in the New Testament, which the Presbyterian church has maintained, include those of the minister of the Word and Sacrament, elders, and deacons.

To those called to exercise special functions in the church — deacons, elders, and ministers of the Word and Sacrament — God gives suitable gifts for their various duties. In addition to possessing the necessary gifts and abilities, natural and acquired, those who undertake particular ministries should be persons of strong faith, dedicated discipleship, and love of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

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 governing and ministry. Elders are chosen by the people. Together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, they exercise leadership, government, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a particular church as well as the church at large, including ecumenical relationships. They shall serve faithfully as members of the session.

It is the duty of elders to strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation committed to their charge. Together with the pastor, they encourage the people in the worship and service of God, equip and renew them for their tasks within the church and for their mission in the world, visit and comfort and care for the people, with special attention to the poor, the sick, the lonely, and those who are oppressed.

Deacons

The office of deacon as set forth in Scripturel is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, of exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies, and sound judgment should be chosen for this office.

It is the duty of deacons to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith. They assume other duties as delegated to them from time to time by the session, such as leading the people in worship through prayers of intercession, reading the Scriptures, presenting the gifts of the people and assisting with the Lord’s Supper.