Elders

Elders shepherd and pray for the flock and exercise government and discipline. They are to exhibit the characteristics listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. They should instruct the ignorant, comfort the mourner, nourish and guard the children of the Church. They should set a worthy example to the flock entrusted to their care by their zeal to evangelize the unconverted, make disciples, and demonstrate hospitality. All members are assigned a shepherding elder and encouraged to attend a Life Group to receive the care of an elder. Ruling elders are nominated and voted on by the congregation and undergo an 18-month mentoring training process. Pastors in the Presbyterian Church in America are teaching elders who are called by the congregation and examined by the Presbytery in the areas of personal character, Bible knowledge, theology, Church history, the Sacraments, the principles and rules of the government and discipline of the church, and the biblical languages.