Southminster Presbyterian Church

Southminster follows the Presbyterian style of government that stresses active, representational leadership of both ministers and church members. Southminster's ruling body, called the session, is composed of the pastor and active elders. We have fifteen elders in active service at a time. Elders are nominated by the nominating committee and elected by the congregation for three-year terms.

Our pastor acts as session moderator, and all session members, including the pastor, are able to vote. Session meetings are held monthly and in most cases are open to all interested members of the community.

Responsibilities of the session include (refer to the Presbyterian Book of Order available from the PC (U.S.A.) for a complete list):

• Provide opportunities for worship and evangelism
• Receive new members into the church
• Lead the congregation in the mission of the Church
• Develop and supervise the church educational programs
• Challenge the congregation with Christian stewardship of money, time and talents
• Establish the annual budget and determine the distribution of offerings and provide full information to the congregation of its decisions in such matters
• Instruct, examine, ordain, install, and welcome ministry elders and deacons on their election by the congregation, and oversee fulfillment of their responsibilities
• Delegate and supervise the work of all committees, organizations, and task forces within the congregation, providing for support, report, review, and control
• Provide for the administration of the program of the church, including employment of non-ordained staff
• Provide for the management of all church property
• Maintain a regular and continuing relationship to the higher governing bodies of the church, such as presbytery, synod, or General Assembly

Following Presbyterian tradition, Southminster ordains two types of lay leaders: elders and deacons. Ordination is permanent, although active service is for a fixed term. The congregation elects elders and deacons following nominations, and then elders and deacons are installed during a service where they answer questions and testify their willingness to serve.

Elders and deacons are of equal stature, but have different callings and responsibilities. Elders are charged with leading the congregation through government. Deacons are charged with leading the congregation through teaching, nurturing, and leading charitable efforts. Any member of Southminster in good standing is eligible for nomination as an elder or deacon.

Southminster is inclusive in nominating individuals for all ordained and non-ordained positions of leadership. Persons of all racial ethnic groups, different ages, both sexes, various disabilities, diverse theological perspectives consistent with our overall tradition, different marital conditions, and sexual orientations are welcomed to participate fully in the decision making and leadership of Southminster.

Southminster is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which has approximately 2.5 million members and 11,200 congregations worldwide.

Within PC (U.S.A.), our regional representative governing body is Presbytery of the Cascades. Presbytery of the Cascades is one of seven presbyteries within the Synod of the Pacific. The overall governing body of the P.C. (U.S.A.) is called the General Assembly.