Leadership at Westminster
Those of us who have been around the Presbyterian Church know the basic who, what, how and why of church leadership. And while the answers to these questions are important, there is a more urgent consideration for you as a member: whatever question you may have about leadership at WPC, the answer begins and ends with you, the Member.
Consider this short answer for who, what, and how:
We are ruled by a rotating roster of Ruling Elders who serve on a leadership council called the Session that governs church business; and Deacons who serve on a Board of Deacons that serves and helps with the physical, logistical, and practical needs of the congregation; and Nominating Committee members who are tasked with identifying and presenting to the congregation members to serve as Ruling Elders and Deacons and members of the Nominating Committee.
That is the short of it (believe it or not); but as people say, God is in the details.
We encourage you to read further the details and consider how you as a Member of WPC might feel called to volunteer or respond affirmatively when approached by the Nominating Committee to serve.
Here are some details of basic terms and definitions:
Session: The leadership council of the local congregation.
Member: A person who has formally requested to become a member of the local church and has been accepted for membership by the Session.
Ruling Elder: A member who has been elected by the congregation and ordained to serve on the Session for purposes of leading the church in its internal and external ministries.
Deacon: A member who has been elected by the congregation and ordained to serve on the Board of Deacons for the purpose of helping to care for the congregation.
Nominating Committee: A group of members elected annually by the Congregation for the purpose of determining the leadership slate of future Ruling Elders, Deacons, and Nominating Committee members.
Some of the rules:
Only enrolled members of WPC can serve as a Ruling Elder, Deacon, and member of the Nominating Committee.
The length of term is three years for Ruling Elders and Deacons, and one year for the Nominating Committee.
A Ruling Elder or Deacon may serve for a maximum of two consecutive terms, or six years, after which they must be off Session or the Board of Deacons for one year.
WPC requires a minimum of five Ruling Elders and a maximum of seven; a minimum of five Deacons and a maximum of seven; a minimum of four and a maximum of five Members for the Nominating Committee.
To be nominated, a Member shall have been past the first anniversary of their acceptance as a Member.
A Member may self-refer for nomination at any time.
So, why are we sharing this information? Because the Nominating Committee is now in caucus! (Okay. That was a little melodramatic, but you get the idea.)
The Nominating Committee is looking to fill the following vacancies:
Two Ruling Elders;
One or two Deacons;
Four Members for next year’s Nominating Committee.
If you have interest or questions please contact Grace Nadell, Jim Williams, Nancy Guthrie, Alan Tway, or Reverend Madeline. If not, you may hear from one of us!