We are a Presbyterian church. This word comes from the Greek word for “elder.” “Presbyterian,” therefore, is a word that primarily refers to our form of church government. We are led by a plurality of elders in every church, as Scripture requires. An elder, quite simply, is a pastor, called to ‘shepherd’ the hearts of the people under his care. Every elder in Christ’s Church is called by God to care for the souls of the members of his congregation. These men must be qualified according to the requirements set forth in the Bible. Elders primarily rule through teaching the Scriptures and by the authority given them by Jesus Himself. Along with elders, Christ has given another officer to lead in serving the congregation’s physical needs of the body of Christ. They are called Deacons, and are an essential component of a healthy congregation.
