Elders and Deacons

The Session

Providence Presbyterian Church follows the New Testament pattern of church government by having a plurality of elders (both Teaching and Ruling, 1 Tim. 5:17), which is known as the Session.  Elders, who according to Scripture are to be elected by the congregation, must meet the rigid spiritual requirements set forth by God in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, and assume full spiritual authority, as undershepherds of Jesus Christ, for the entire congregation.  The Session includes the pastor (Teaching Elder), who also serves as Moderator.

The Session has supervision over all ministries and committees of the church, including the Board of Deacons (the Diaconate), classes, music, women's ministries, youth ministry, and all others.  The elders are charged by God to shepherd His flock, which He has entrusted to their care, and on the Day of Judgment will give an account to Him for the care they provided (Acts 20:28-31; 1 Peter 5:1-4).

The Diaconate

In Acts 6, the Apostles instructed the church at Jerusalem to choose men of good character, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to provide for the physical needs of the congregation.  These men must also meet the requirements given in 1 Timothy 3.  Under the supervision of the Session, the diaconate administers the business and financial affairs of the church as a whole and for individuals with particular needs.  It also supports the ministry of the elders by enabling them to focus their time and energy on the ministry of the Word and prayer (Acts 6:4).