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Qualifications of, Commitment required by, and Responsibilites of Elders at MPPC
Qualifications:
- Those called to be elders are those who love Jesus Christ, who have a strong faith, and who are dedicated to Christ as their Lord and Savior.
- Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel and the love of Christ in the church and in the world.
- They are to accept the essential tenets of the Reformed faith as expressed in the Book of Order and the Book of Confessions of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and accept the Old and New Testament scriptures as the unique and authoritative witness to Jesus Christ.
- Elders should be willing to use their gifts of good judgment, fairmindedness and vision to provide oversight and direction for the congregation.
Commitment:
- Elders are called and elected to life long service to God after the pattern of the One who came ?not to be served but to serve.? (Matthew 20:28)
- Elders should be willing especially to devote their time, energy and talents to the work of MPPC during the next three years as active officers.
- Elders should worship regularly, participate fully in the life of the church, read the Bible and pray and support the mission of the church financially.
- Elders should trust that the Holy Spirit will equip them for their ministry and should covenant with the Lord to participate fully in God's service.
Responsibilities:
- The session focuses on its vital role as the governing body of the church and the diaconate focuses on its equally vital role of caring for our members and strengthening the bonds of community within the church.
- According to the Book of Order, elders are charged to strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation committed to their charge. They provide leadership, governance and, if necessary, discipline to members.
- Those duties that all Christians are bound to perform by the law of love are especially incumbent upon elders because of their calling to office and are to be fulfilled by them as official responsibilities. (Book of Order)
- Both individually and collectively (as the session), elders will provide leadership for and oversight to the activities of the Administration, Stewardship, Outreach, Worship and Christian Education Councils. They will also chair and serve on committees such as worship, Christian education, officer development, outreach, missions, property and facilities, finance and stewardship, long range planning, and relationships with the larger church.
- Elders serve Communion on the First Sunday of the month (rotating every other month) and at one Christmas Eve service.
- Elders attend monthly Session meetings and committee meetings and session retreats as scheduled.
- Elders attend one Presbytery meeting and one Inquirers Class a year and may be elected as commissioners to higher governing bodies.
- Elders assist with follow up to the annual stewardship campaign.
- Newly elected elders are required to attend the four officer development workshops held in prepartion for their examination and installation.
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