Elders are elected for 3 years, and no, being an elder does not mean you are old! In fact, the session currently includes men and women of all ages. “Elder” refers to the wisdom and faith these people bring to their work.

The Congregation elects a new class of elders on a yearly basis for a three-year term. The slate of candidates is presented by the Nominating Team, which is made up of at-large members of the Congregation and one or more elders whose term is finishing at the end of the current year. Nominating Team members come from varying life stages, ministry areas and cultural backgrounds. The constitution of the PCUSA requires that the NominatingTeam have more at-large members than currently-serving elders to discourage the Session from becoming self-serving.

The Congregation is encouraged to suggest candidates, as are the pastor and currently-serving elders. The Nominating Team looks for potential elders who are “persons of faith, dedication and good judgment. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel, both within the church and in the world.”

The Nominating Team prays together, reads scripture, seeks God’s voice in their decisions, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit discusses the strengths of those suggested. The pastoral staff provides confidential input on candidates to help the Team assemble the final slate of nominees for election by the Congregation. All deliberations by the Team are strictly confidential.

The Congregation is also free to nominate elders at the congregational meeting at which elders are elected, and is not obligated to accept the slate of candidates proposed by the Nominating Team. Nominees who receive a majority of votes at the congregational meeting comprise the newly-elected class.

The Nominating Team meets together regularly to get to know and trust one another, pray for God’s leading and wisdom, and to review suggested candidates. The discussions are positive and no “statistics” about people are discussed. Instead, we share what we know about candidates and their strengths. If a member of the committee has a concern about a candidate, they just state that and we respect their wisdom as led by the Holy Spirit. We pray for all the suggested individuals, and ask God to use their leadership skills to further his Kingdom.

The Nominating Team does not have access to the giving records of any church members, regardless of whether or not they are being considered for election to eldership.

YES! Simply submit the nomination form below.

YES!  Use the form below and describe your desire to serve.

If you are not chosen as an elder this year, nominate yourself again next year. Another way to serve might be through a ministry team. Please contact the ministry area you are interested in and express an interest in serving on a committee or team. You don’t have to be an Elder to have a BIG impact in serving God.

There are 3 vacancies to fill every year, and many godly individuals will be suggested as candidates.

The Nominating Committee tries to include at least one previously ordained elder in each “class,” so that there is a continuity of history, experience and wisdom in the group. This is balanced with new elders who will serve for the first time.