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.

The ministry of the deacon as set forth in scripture is one of sympathy, witness and service, after the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the duty of the deacons to care for those in need. It is a ministry of caring, a ministry of love, a ministry of compassion and a ministry of prayer. To be an effective deacon one needs to express compassion, kindness, empathy, sensibility, patience, courage, enthusiasm, goodness and a passion for caring for others. It is also important that deacons spend devotional time exploring ways to grow in their own faith. Board of Deacon members serve a 3 year term, are elected and ordained by the congregation to assist the pastors in congregational care with the following areas of focus: visitations, meals for those in difficult circumstances, worship recordings, transportation, sanctuary flower delivery, cards and special occasion greetings, weddings and funeral/memorial service receptions, valet parking. Deacons always strive to present our church as a welcoming community by visiting with current members and welcoming new visitors.