Elders

A major contributor to Reformed theology was John Calvin, who converted from Roman Catholicism after training for the priesthood and in the law. In exile in Geneva, Switzerland, Calvin developed the presbyterian pattern of church government, which vests governing authority primarily in elected laypersons known as elders. The word presbyterian comes from the Greek word for elder.

Elders are chosen by the people. Together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, they exercise leadership, government, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a particular church as well as the church at large, including ecumenical relationships. "They shall serve faithfully as members of the session." (Book of Order, G-10.0102) "When elected commissioners to higher governing bodies, elders participate and vote with the same authority as ministers of the Word and Sacrament, and they are eligible for any office." (Book of Order G-6.0302)

As the Book of Order points out (G- 6.0301), the term elder is not one chosen arbitrarily but has important biblical roots. In the Old Testament elders were literally the older men who were selected to rule the people of God. They sat in judgment in gates of the city in public assembly (Deuteronomy 25:7; 2 Chronicles 32:6; Proverbs 31:23; Isaiah 13:2). It was at these places that justice was established and commerce was conducted.

The PCUSA no longer expects its leadership will only consist of older men. Age and sex restrictions are prohibited (G-6.0105) and the requirements to serve are based now on considerations of commitment, one's abilities, and God's call. Elders should be persons of faith, dedication, and good judgment. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel, both within the church and world (G- 6.0303). Presbyterians recognize not only that women and men are equally qualified to serve, but also give fair representation to persons of all age groups and of all racial ethnic members and persons with disabilities who are members of the congregation (G-14.0202b).

The body of elders elected to govern a particular congregation is called a session. They are elected by the congregation and in one sense are representatives of the other members of the congregation. On the other hand, their primary charge is to seek to discover and represent the will of Christ as they govern.

Presbyterian elders are both elected and ordained. Through ordination they are officially set apart for service. They retain their ordination beyond their term in office. Ministers who serve the congregation are also part of the session. The session is the smallest, most local governing body.

The other governing bodies are presbyteries, which are composed of several churches; synods, which are composed of several presbyteries; and the General Assembly, which represents the entire denomination. Elders and ministers who serve on these governing bodies are also called presbyters.  

Reid Memorial Elders 

Dr. Leslie Holmes, moderator
Norm Nicholson, clerk
Class of 2010
Bette Wright
 
Sandee Whittaker
 
Clay Stallworth
 
John Overstreet
 
Ben Kay
 
Trey Few
 

Class of 2011
Greg Cook
 
Jerry Howington
 
Scott Monnig
 
Harry Revell
 
Mel Rhodes
 
Class of 2012
Woody Belangia
 
Jim McKnight
 
Norm Nicholson
 
Glen Owen
 
Sarah Simkins
 
Marc Wilson Jr.