The Session
The Session is comprised of ordained Teaching Elders and Ruling Elders for the purpose of shepherding the local church. They are tasked with many things including caring for members , overseeing the ministries of the church, initiating evangelism as the primary task of the church, encouraging members to grow in their relationship with the Lord, determining the budget, and much much more.
The duties of the Session are detailed in Chapter 16, Section 10 of the Book of Government, which is part of the EPC Book of Order. Click here to download the latest Book of Order.
There are various committees of Session as well, comprising of Membership and Evangelism, Mission and Stewardship, Christian Education, Worship, Building, grounds and a host of subcommittees as well.
The Board of Deacons
The office of Deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, concern for needs, and of serving others. Therefore, the first duty of the Deacon is sympathy and service. Historically, to this office has been given the duty of being the Church’s instrument for the ministry of compassion. Such duties may include the care, maintenance, and preparation of the church and its facilities. Since the Board of Deacons is not a court of the Church and since it is under the authority of the Church Session, to the Deacons both individually and collectively the Church Session may assign from time to time special duties felt to be appropriate to that office. (Book of Order 10-7)