How Old is an Elder?

There are two kinds of elders within the Presbyterian Church in Canada: teaching elders and ruling elders. Teaching elders are ministers who convene or "moderate" meetings of session. Session (or Kirk Session) is the name given to the group of elders in each congregation.

Ruling elders are elected by the congregation and ordained by God through the minister. They must be church members in good and regular standing and "be an example to the believers in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity." (I Timothy 4:12)

A person of any age who possesses the gifts of eldership and feels called by God to be an elder may be considered for this position within the church. Elders are called and ordained for life. In some congregations, they serve for life as session members. Other congregations have term service eldership where elders are active for 6 year terms.

What are the Responsibilities of the Session?

• Provide Leadership - enable the congregation to serve and worship Christ to the best of their ability
• Oversee all groups and organizations within the church
• Set the hour and form of worship
• Administer and support a program of Christian education
• Regularly review the membership roll
• Inform the congregation of the work of the church
• Control the use of the church building
• Maintain Pastoral Care
• Admit people into church membership
• Encourage Stewardship and Mission
• Arrange assistance for the poor