THE WORK OF THE SESSION

The duties of the session are described in chapter 10 of the Book of Order. How sessions meet these obligations may change from one church to another. These duties, and how we accomplish them at Good Shepherd, are:

1. Training the members of our church in evangelism is the first specific duty of the Session at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church. (G-10.0102a)

We do this at the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church through OUR OUTREACH AND MISSION TEAM and

2. Our Session receives new members (G-10.0102b)

We do this at the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church through OUR OUTREACH AND MISSION TEAM and as a SESSION

3. Our Session leads the congregation in the mission of the Church by serving in and beyond the congregation. (G-10.0102c, G-10.0102g, G-10.0102j)

We do this at the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church through OUR OUTREACH AND MISSION TEAM

4. Our Session oversees and provides for worship (G-10.0102d)

We do this at the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church through OUR WORSHIP TEAM

5. Our Session is responsible for the spiritual life and growth of our members. (G-10.0102e)

We do this at the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church through OUR DISCIPLESHIP AND SERVICE TEAM

6. The Session teaches and encourages our members to be generous with their time, talent and money. (G-10.0102h)

We do this at the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church through OUR COMMUNICATION AND RESOURCES TEAM

7. The Session is responsible for the “business” area of the church’s life – the property and the finances. (G-10.0102i, G-10.0102o)

Much of the work in this area is under the care of OUR COMMUNICATION AND RESOURCES TEAM

8. The Session is responsible for maintaining the church’s records (G-10.0102s)

We do this at the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church through OUR COMMUNICATION AND RESOURCES TEAM


9. The Session is responsible for training and preparing our elders and elders-elect (G-10.0102k)

We do this at the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church through OUR DISCIPLESHIP AND FELLOWSHIP TEAM

10. Our Session keeps us connected with the rest of the Presbyterian Church, USA (G-10.0102p)

We do this at the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church through OUR OUTREACH AND MISSION TEAM

11. Ecumenical Relationships start with our Session (G-10.0102q)

We do this at the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church through OUR OUTREACH AND MISSION TEAM

12. The Session also serves as the Church Court in matters of Discipline (G-10.0102r)

In the Presbyterian Church, most matters of discipline can be addressed informally and pastorally.


13. The Session is in charge of matters personnel, or human resources, of the congregation (G-10.0102n )

We do this at Good Shepherd through OUR PERSONNEL COMMITTEE.

14. The Session also serves as the Board of Deacons (G-6.0402 and 6.0407)

The Book of Order says in G-6.0407: A congregation by a majority vote may elect not to use the office of deacon. In such a case, or in the case where deacons cannot be secured, the function of the office shall always be preserved and shall devolve upon the elders and the session. The Book of Order also says in G-6:0402, that the duties of the deacons are to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress, both within and beyond the congregation.

We do this at the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church through both the DISCIPLESHIP AND FELLOWSHIP TEAM and the OUTREACH AND MISSION TEAM.