Presbyterian Government

We are governed by the Session of the church. Number of officers may vary from church to church, but the Session at Westminster is comprised of 18 Elders*, the Pastor (Moderator), and 3 Trustees. The Session is elected from the congregation, each general Session member serving a two year term. The numerical breakdown is 1 Moderator, 18 general Session members, and 4 Trustees. Trustees serve a 2 year term. Each year, 9 new Elders and 2 new Trustees come on to serve. A Nominating Committee made up of 2 currently serving Session members, and 5 other individuals from the congregation at large seeks out indivuals willing serve on the Session or as Trustee. During the congregational meeting when these nominations are presented, nominations may also be made from the floor. Once nominations cease, a vote is taken and new Session members are elected and commissioned. All active members of Westminster Presbyterian Church have a vote, including our younger members who have completed Confirmation class and have chosen to join and serve as communing members of the church.

The Session, with few exceptions, makes all decisions regarding the governance of the church and its members. Roberts Rules of Order is the standard by which meetings are conducted. Each Session member has one vote and the majority carries. Some responsibilities are delegated to committee (chaired by Session members). Committees include Christian Education, Church Life, Administration, and others. Individuals from the congregation at large are encouraged to serve on committees. At Westminster, everyone is invited to be active in the life of the church. For a more in depth look at Presbyterians and the Presbyterian form of government, go to Presbyterian 101 at the Presbyterian Church, USA website.

* Elders are members of the Presbyterian Church who have been asked and agreed to serve, have been educated in church polity, and have been installed into the apostolic church by the laying on of hands. Any active member may be called to be an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, USA regardless of gender, race, or social status. We are all equal in the Presbyterian Church, USA. Once an individual has been commissioned as an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, that individual is always an Elder in perpetuity.