Elders (“presbuteroi”)
Presbyterian congregations are led jointly by theologically educated clergy and lay leaders who are elected by the congregation and ordained to the office of “Elder.” Men and women who have been ordained may be installed on the church’s governing board called “the Session.”
The Session
Session members oversee the entire mission and ministry of a local congregation including worship and pastoral care, Christian education, property and finances, personnel, and relationships with other Presbyterian congregations and governing bodies. Lakewood Presbyterian Church’s Session includes 18 elders. The Pastor serves as the Moderator of Session.
Committees
Lakewood Presbyterian Church has nine committees—we call them “ministries.” Each committee is accountable to the Session and is responsible for specific aspects of the church’s mission and ministry. Each committee has at least one Session member who chairs it.
Worship and Music
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Oversees the congregation’s worship life including the music ensembles, Sunday services, special seasonal services, weddings, funerals, and such important ministries as ushers, greeters, and acolytes. |
Nurture and Discipleship
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Organizes the church’s faith formation experiences including the McKendry Library, Sunday morning “Journey’s” for grade school, WeeKirk Children’s Worship, high school youth Sunday School classes and groups, and a variety of adult learning opportunities. |
Mission, Outreach, Justice
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Directs the church’s local, regional, national, and international ministries of compassion, evangelism, and justice. |
Property
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Oversees the maintenance and care of the church building and grounds. |
Personnel
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Assists the pastor with oversight of the staff. |
Membership
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Organizes membership information seminars for prospective members, and hosts congregational fellowship activities. |
Hospitality and Fellowship
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Provides receptions and organizes meals for church events including the Sunday morning coffee/fellowship hour. |
Finance
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Watches over the church budget, bookkeeping activities, and endowment fund. |
Good Samaritan Ministry
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Reviews applications for grants from the Good Samaritan Fund for consideration by the Session. |
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