NPC | Elders

Morning: Psalms 43; 149 First Reading : Exodus 2:23-3:15 Second Reading : 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Gospel : Mark 9:14-29 Evening: Psalms 31; 143

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Session of Elders

An online calendar for the Elders, including the schedule of upcoming session/council meetings, is shown below.

Session opens its meetings regularly to observers - please see the Session Observer Guidelines for more information, including the schedule of open meetings.

Elders names and areas of service

Clerk of Session
Bruce Boyd
npcclerk@yahoo.com

OTHER CAMPUS CONNECTIONS

National Center for Leadership
Lora Tredway - Treasurer

NPC Fund for Charitable Giving
David Wallace

National Presbyterian School
Jan Mahumed

The office of elder has a long tradition in the Reformed church. As Presbyterians, we trace the origin of the office to the New Testament where Paul outlines for Timothy two offices: that of bishop (overseer or elder) (1 Tim. 3:1) and deacon (1 Tim. 3:8). In his letter to Titus, Paul refers to the office of bishop as elder. The terms bishop and elder are used interchangeably to refer to the same office. In Greek, the term for elder is presbuteros, from which we derive our term "presbyter."

Presbyters, in the Reformed tradition, consist of ministers of the Word and Sacrament and elders. Historically, presbyters have had the role of governing the church. This is a practice which dates back to John Calvin in Geneva and the Church of Scotland in the sixteenth century. While specific responsibilities have evolved over the years, in most matters concerning the governing of the church, elders and ministers of Word and Sacrament have held equal status.

The Role of Elder

Our form of government in the Presbyterian Church (USA) is representative government. The word "representative" has two meanings. "The first is to hold that a person is a representative of a particular group, constituency, region or position. The second is that a person is representing the larger interests of all parties involved, and that the decisions of the person will not be governed solely by the wishes of the constituency. The second of these two understandings is the norm for the Presbyterian Church (USA)" The congregation elects elders to be its representatives in matters concerning the governing of the church and then submits to the leadership of those elected elders.

Given that elders are the representatives of the congregation in matters of governance, it follows that those elected as elders must have special qualities. Turning to 1 Timothy 3 again, we find that Paul lists the following qualities for elders: above reproach; an apt leader; monogamous; no drunkard; temperate; not violent, but gentle; sensible; not quarrelsome; dignified; no lover of money; hospitable; good manager of own household; not a recent convert; well thought of by outsiders.

The Book of Order elaborates on Paul's requirements by saying, "Elders should be persons of faith, dedication, and good judgment. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel, both within the Church and the world."

The qualities mentioned above are essential in order that the elders may carry out the important responsibilities of their office, with due regard for the leading of the Holy Spirit and their understanding of the Scriptures. These responsibilities are divided into two kinds of duties: those that relate to the office of elder itself, and those that relate to service on the session and in the higher governing bodies of the church.

The responsibilities of the office include:
1. Strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the members of the church.
2. In cooperation with the pastor(s), encourage the people in the worship and service of God.
3. Equip and renew the people for their tasks within the church and for their mission in the world.
4. Visit, comfort and care for the people.
5. Give special attention to the poor, the sick, the lonely, and those who are oppressed.
6. Inform the pastor(s) and session about people and structures who/which need special attention.
7. Cultivate abilities to teach the Bible.
8. Serve places that are without regular ministry of the Word and Sacrament.
9. Administer the Lord's Supper when authorized by the presbytery

The responsibilities of governance, which are carried out in parity with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, include:
1. Exercise leadership, government, and discipline.
2. Have responsibilities for the life of a particular church, serving faithfully as members of the session.
3. Have responsibilities for the Church at large, including ecumenical relationships.
4. Participate and vote with the same authority as ministers of the Word and Sacrament when elected as commissioners to higher governing bodies.

The specific responsibilities of the session are found in chapter 10 of the Form of Government in the Book or Order. These responsibilities can be grouped into the following ten categories:

1. Lead the congregation
2. Provide for worship
3. Integrate elders and deacons
4. Supervise and delegate to boards and other organizations and staff
5. Establish and maintain ecumenical relations
6. Care for members
7. Develop and supervise education
8. Challenge with Christian stewardship
9. Maintain relationships with higher governing bodies
10. Serve in judicial bodies

Session is organized by ministry teams, each corresponding to one of the four pillars of NPC's Vision Statement: Worship, Nurture, Congregational Care, and Outreach. Typically, each elder is assigned to one ministry team and to a council or committee under that team. Regular meetings of the session occur on the fourth Monday evening of each month (except August). Councils and committees have their own regularly scheduled meetings. In addition, there may be special meetings of the session called for a specific purpose. Each year, two elders are appointed to serve for one year on the Nominating Committee, which is chaired by one of those elders.