Elders (“presbuteroi”)
Presbyterian congregations are led jointly by theologically educated clergy and also lay leaders who are elected by the congregation and ordained to the biblical office of “Elder.” Men and women who have been ordained may be installed on the church’s governing board called “the Session.”
The Session
Session members oversee the entire mission and ministry of a local congregation including worship and pastoral care, faith formation, stewardship of property and finances, personnel, and relationships with other Presbyterian congregations and governing bodies. Lakewood Presbyterian Church’s Session includes 14 elders. The Pastor serves as the Moderator of Session.
Committees
Lakewood Presbyterian Church has several committees—we call them “ministries.” Each committee is accountable to the Session and is responsible for specific aspects of the church’s mission and ministry. Each committee has at least one Session member who chairs it.
Worship and Music
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The Worship and Music Ministry works closely with the pastor and the music staff to help prepare and present all worship services. The Ministry coordinates many volunteers in these areas: lay liturgists, ushers, greeters, communion preparers, acolytes, flower coordinators, sound board staff, liturgical paraments coordinator and pew maintenance team. Dr. Ruth Draper is our Music Director. She serves as organist and directs the Chancel Choir, Bell Choir, Chapel Choir (Youth), and coordinates our soloists and ensembles for worship. Long noted for its outstanding music program, the fine ensembles and soloists of the church lead hymns and present special music for the glory of God at every service. |
Faith Formation
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Organizes the church’s faith formation experiences for all ages, oversees the McKendry Library, the Sunday morning “Journey’s” for grade school children, WeeKirk Children’s Worship, high school youth Sunday School classes and groups, and a variety of adult learning opportunities. |
Mission, Outreach and Justice
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Directs the church’s local, regional, national, and international ministries of compassion, evangelism, and justice. |
Property
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The Property Ministry is responsible for the continuing care and maintenance of the church’s building and grounds. |
Personnel
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Assists the pastor with oversight of the church program and support staff. |
Fellowship and Member Care
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The Fellowship and Member Care Ministry exists to facilitate inclusion and a caring, welcoming, hospitable atmosphere for members, visitors, and prospective members. Fellowship duties include the planning and coordination of coffee hours and fellowship times following the Sunday worship service and coordinating congregational meals and other special events. Member Care responsibilities include providing semi-annual membership information and orientation sessions, assimilating new members into the church, and overseeing the commissioned Lay Caregiver Team. |
Communications
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The Communications Ministry oversee the church’s internal and external efforts to tell Christ’s story and promote the church’s mission and ministry. |
Finance and Administration
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Watches over the church budget, bookkeeping activities, and endowment fund. |
Stewardship
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The Stewardship ministry encourages faithful stewardship of time, skills, and financial resources. |
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