Elders and deacons are ordained positions in the Presbyterian Church (USA). That means that we believe this person has been chosen by God and elected by the congregation to be a leader in Christ’s church. The vows they take are similar to the vows that the pastor takes to become a minister of word and sacrament. Once a person is ordained, that ordination is considered a lifelong vocation. The ordained elder or deacon has a responsibility to cultivate their prayer life, to study the Bible, and to seek God in their individual, and congregational life.

Elders work with the pastor to lead the church in its worship of God and its outreach to the community and world. Elders along with the pastor also represent the church at the Presbytery of Great Rivers Assembly. This is a regional gathering that works to promote the ministries of individual churches and assist in many ways.

Locally, we have two boards: Session as the highest decision making body, and Deacons as the caretaking, pastoral group. These groups are to be a representation of the congregation as a whole. This means a diversity of gender, age, and when applicable, race or ethnicity. Session members are called Elders. All officers of the church are nominated for 3 year terms and are elected by the congregation. The term can be renewed once to make possible 6 years of service before that person must take at least one year off. In that way more people have the opportunity to serve and more voices are heard.

Deacons do many tasks to make sure that the members feel the care and healing of Christ in their individual and family lives. In our church, the Deacons deliver flowers to people in need, visit shut-ins and nursing home residents, provide a quarterly day out for senior members of our church, annually award scholarships to our college students, and send gift cards to college students at finals time.

It takes many people to make the church function smoothly and do the work of Christ in our community. Thanks to all who work so hard.