Elders

CURRENT ELDERS SERVING ON THE SESSION

Class of 2023

  • Rick Fletcher, Mission & Social Responsibility Team
  • Margaret Hill, Christian Formation Team

Class of 2024

  • Connie Vice, Mission & Social Responsibility Team
  • Ron Warren, Finance/Personnel & Property/Maintenance Team

Class of 2025

  • Patty Clark, Congregational Life Team
  • Linda Heleringer, Hospitality Team

FAQs ABOUT LEADERSHIP AT PEWEE VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN:

How do decisions get made within the church?
The vast majority of decisions in the Presbyterian Church are made by the “Session.” The Session is made up of elected Ruling Elders and Called Teaching Elders (Pastor). Pastors are called by the Congregation and Elders are elected by the Congregation. The only decisions made by the entire congregation in the Presbyterian church include the purchase or sale of Property, the calling and dismissing of Pastors, and the election of Elders.
How are Elders chosen?
A Nominating Committee puts together a slate of Elders after receiving suggestions from the congregation, speaking with potential nominees, and presenting the slate to the Session. Upon being approved by the Session, Elders are elected by the Congregation at a called Congregational Meeting.
Who is on the Nominating Committee?
The Nominating Committee is chaired by a Ruling Elder still on Session and includes another Elder who has recently rotated off of Session and any amount of other active members of the congregation as desired. At PVPC we have five total members who serve on the Nominating Committee for a one-year term. They may be reappointed by the Session for up to three years.
What is a Session?
The Session is a group of elected Elders who serve together and make the vast majority of decisions for the congregation. The Session expresses the rich diversity of the congregation, from gender to age to experience.
How long do Elders remain on the Session?
Elders serve three year terms on the Session. They may be re-elected for a second three-year term, but must then rotate off for at least one year before begin eligible to serve further. Elections are to classes as nearly equal in number as possible, with the term of only one class ending each year.
What qualifications are needed to become an Elder?
The most crucial qualification needed to serve as an Elder are an active participation in the life, fellowship and care of the congregation and a commitment to meet the requirements expected for them in the years they serve.
How many Elders serve on a Session?
While the number of Elders on a Session is not limited, it usually depends on the size of the congregation. At PVPC, we have nine Adult Elders who serve in three different “classes.” In addition, we elect a Youth Elder who normally serves an 18 month term that ends when they graduate from High School.