The Session – What it is, and What it Does
The Session is the body of elders elected by a congregation to govern a congregation. In one sense, the Session represents the other members of the congregation — even more importantly, elders seek to discover and represent the will of Christ as they govern.
At the United Presbyterian Church of Hornell, NY (UPC), Session has the authority and responsibility for nearly all decisions that affect the life of the church, with a few exceptions that are reserved to the congregation.
As a member church of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Session’s authority derives from the Book of Order which defines a church’s Session and tells what a Session does, at least in general terms. UPC’s Session may adopt other rules and procedures, as long as they are in harmony with the PC(USA) Book of Order.
Some examples of Session’s annual responsibilities are:
- electing a Treasurer, a Clerk of Session, and an Elder Commissioner to Presbytery
- establishing when Communion will be celebrated
- approving the General Fund Budget (except for the Pastor’s Terms of Call, which are approved by the congregation)
- approving mission grant requests to Presbytery
- calling the Annual Meeting of the congregations and at least one Special Meeting of the congregation
- training, ordaining, and installing new Ruling Elders and Deacons
As required, Session has additional responsibilities which include:
- authorizing and recording baptisms
- receiving new members and removing members from the Roll of Active Members (with reasons)
- approving fund-raising requests, special offerings; and requests from boards, committees, and individuals for mission projects, major maintenance projects and other projects and events
- tracking church finances throughout the year (with the help of the Finance Committee and the Trustees)
Presbyterian elders are both elected and ordained. Ministers of the Word and Sacrament (also known as teaching elders) are elected by the congregation and are also part of the session.
Together, ruling and teaching elders exercise leadership, governance, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the church at large.