Government and Organization

What is the Presbyterian Church (USA)? Presbuteros, the Greek word meaning elder, is used 72 times in the New Testament. It provided the name for the Presbyterian family of churches, which includes the Reformed churches of the world.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is distinctly a confessional and a connectional church, distinguished by the representation of church members- called ruling elders- in its government. In other words, Presbyterians are distinctive in two major ways: they adhere to a pattern of religious thought known as Reformed theology and a form of government that stresses the active, representational leadership of both ministers and church members.

How does the local church fit into the Presbyterian (USA) denomination? Each particular congregation is a local expression of the church universal. It consists of those who profess faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, gathered for the service of God, and subject to a particular form of church government.

Each church of the Presbyterian Church (USA) is governed by a Constitution that has two parts, The Book of Confessions and The Book of Order. A congregation is the local unit for the nurture of God’s people, corporate worship, service to the community, the up building of the whole church—all to the glory of God. Members of each local church voluntarily put themselves under the leadership of Christ through the officers whom they elect.

Are all Presbyterian churches the same? All congregations within the Presbyterian Church (USA) share a common body of beliefs and style of government. Within the guidelines of our constitution, individual congregations have considerable freedom in putting their faith into practice. Presbyterian congregations may differ considerably in style of worship, local mission efforts, and opportunities for fellowship. Each local church seeks to increase its circle of faith and to reach out to the larger community. Taken collectively, however, all local churches constitute the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.

How is CSPC governed and who are the church officers? The Session is the governing body made up of a minister of Word and Sacrament (our Pastor) and nine ruling elders chosen by the congregation to exercise leadership in the church. Under the authority and guidance of our constitution, the Session makes most of the decisions governing the life of the congregation. In all matters, the Session seeks the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the mind of Christ. Elders undertake a wide range of responsibilities for the leadership of the congregation.

What is a deacon? A deacon is chosen by the congregation and ordained to care first of all for the needs of the congregation and to others in distress beyond the local church, in the community, the nation, and the world. The Board of Deacons represents the compassionate ministry of Christ, reaching out especially to the bereaved, the sick, and the troubled. CSPC has six deacons that are under the supervision and authority of the Session.

How are church officers selected, and when is this done? Elders and Deacons are selected by a Nominating Committee elected by the congregation and consisting of members representative of the congregation. Officer’s terms are for three years. The Nominating Committee meets early in the year prior to the expiration of the term and as needed throughout the year to fill positions.

How does the nomination process work? The Nominating Committee solicits suggestions from the congregation and also accepts self- nominations. It submits its report to the Session, which then schedules a Congregational Meeting. The congregation votes on the recommendations of the Nominating Committee as reported by the Session.