The Nature and Role of the Session

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A), of which Covenant Presbyterian Church is a member, has a representative form of government, known as Presbyterian polity, with four levels of government and administration, as outlined in the Book of Order (the Session, the Presbytery, the Synod, and the General Assembly).

At the local church, congregational level, the governing body is called the Session. The session is made up of the pastor(s) of the church and all of the elders that have been elected and installed to active service. Elders are nominated by a nominating committee of the congregation; nominations from the floor are also permissible. Elders are then elected by the congregation.

The Session is responsible for the overall guidance and direction of the ministry of the local church, including almost all responsibilities of spiritual and fiduciary leadership. The congregation as a whole votes on 1) the call of the pastor (subject to presbytery approval); 2) the election of its own officers (elders & deacons); 3) buying, mortgaging, or selling real property. All other matters such as the budget, other personnel matters, programs for spiritual life and mission, are the responsibility of the Session. Source: Book of Order, The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

The current members of the Covenant Presbyterian Church - Gainesville Session are highlighted below: