Elders, Deacons and Team Leaders

ELDERS

RULING ELDERS: THE MINISTRY OF DISCERNMENT AND GOVERNANCE As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government of the people, so the New Testament church provided persons with particular gifts to share in discernment of God’s Spirit and governance of God’s people. Accordingly, congregations should elect persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having demonstrated skills in leadership and being compassionate in spirit. Ruling elders are so named not because they “lord it over” the congregation (Matt. 20:25), but because they are chosen by the congregation to discern and measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life. Ruling elders, together with teaching elders, exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships. When elected by the congregation, they shall serve faithfully as members of the session. When elected as commissioners to higher councils, ruling elders participate and vote with the same authority as teaching elders, and they are eligible for any office.2 See current ruling elders of FUPCDC on page 15 of bulletin.

1 The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Part II, Book of Order: 2013/2015, 2013. Published by The Office of the General Assembly, 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202, p. 26. 2

ibid., p. 60

DEACONS

The ministry of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, sincere compassion, and sound judgment should be chosen for this ministry.1

MINISTRY TEAM LEADERS

• Pat Manalio (Interim) - Administration

• Mike Slayter - Congregational Care

• Vacant - Evangelism and Outreach

• Marti Hall - Fellowship

• Curt Hoagland - Growing in Faith

• Pam Cox - Mission

• Mike Gundel - Property

• Dennis Dingle - Stewardship and Finance

• Martin Andrews - Worship

Moderator - Rev. Adam Bowling