As an Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) congregation, we are governed according to the pattern of elders seen in the Old and New Testaments. Our governance does not follow a hierarchical model (by bishops) or a congregational model (by members). Rather, Biblically qualified elders are recognized through congregational election and, along with ministers, rule the church corporately. This ruling body is called the Session.

 

We have two types of elders in the Session:

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• Teaching elders – Responsible for church doctrine, ordained by EPC and not members of the local congregation

• Ruling elders – Responsible for governing, members of the local congregation

 

The role of elders includes: 

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• Shepherding the flock

• Leading through example

• Teach and exhort

• Refute false teachers

• Pray for the sick, and 

• Manage the church.

 

Scriptures on the role of elders in the church: Acts 14:23, Acts 20:17-18, 28; Titus 1:5; 1 Timothy 5:17-19; 1 Peter 5:1-5; James 5:14; Numbers 11:16; Deuteronomy 27 and Exodus 18:14-25.

 

Beyond the local church, our denomination governance includes a regional presbytery and the national General Assembly. Local churches send elders as representatives to meetings at the regional and national levels.