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Ordained Officers (Boards) - Minister - Elder - Deacon |
The Church officers mentioned in the New Testament which this church has maintained include those of:
Officers must be ordained, which is usually a short ceremony where they answer questions about belief and duties. They are then confirmed by a laying on of hands by other officers. In the Catholic Church confirmation of ordained officers is a Sacrament.
Minister: Ministers may be designated as educators, chaplains, pastoral counselors, campus ministers, missionaries, partners in mission, evangelists, administrators, social workers, consultants, or in other specific tasks appropriate to the ministry of the church.
Elder: Elders exercise leadership, government, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a particular church as well as the church at large, including ecumenical relationships. They shall serve faithfully as members of the session. It is the duty of elders, individually and jointly, to strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation committed to their charge. Together with the pastor, they should encourage the people in the worship and service of God, equip and renew them for their tasks within the church and for their mission in the world, visit and comfort and care for the people, with special attention to the poor, the sick, the lonely, and those who are oppressed. They should inform the pastor and session of those persons and structures which may need special attention. They should assist in worship.
They should cultivate their ability to teach the Bible and may be authorized to supply places which are without the regular ministry of the Word and Sacrament.
Deacon:
The deacons motto is: "Sharing Christ's love".
Responsibilities:
The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. They also assume other duties that may be delegated to them from time to time by session, such as leading the people in worship through prayers of intercession, reading the Scriptures, presenting the gifts of the people, and assisting with the Lord's Supper. They may be individually commissioned by the session to particular tasks consistent with the responsibility of their office. Our 1,100 member church has 16 deacons who serve 3 year terms.
See also:
The Board of Trustees is responsible of the acquisition, maintenance and disposition of the property of the church and management of any permanent special funds for the furtherance of the purposes of the church. They have rolls including, steward, proprietor, financier, caretaker, enabler of ministry and manager.
Source: The above is based on the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
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