Our Leadership

The Kirk is a Presbyterian church. The term “Presbyterian” originates in the language of the Greek New Testament and describes a church led by presbyters, men nominated and elected by the congregation of the local church. Our leadership consists of two groups: the Session and the Diaconate.

Our session is a group of Elders in two roles: a Teaching Elder, who is a staff member of the church, devoted to the teaching and preaching of the Word of God, and to prayer, and Ruling Elders, who stand as overseers of the church of Christ, governing and caring for the souls of her people. Elders serve in like manner after Christ, guarding against “corruption in doctrine and morals”, praying for the flock, visiting the sick, and providing comfort, encouragement, and spiritual direction for the body. *

“Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach” 1 Timothy 3:2

The Deacons are “an office of sympathy and service, after the Lord Jesus”, and are entrusted with the care and stewardship of the spiritual and physical property of the church. They serve the church with a ministry of mercy, caring for those who are sick or in need, encouraging the members to service, and working to “collect and distribute the gifts of the church”. They serve under the supervision of the session, and their ministry enables that of the Elders by allowing them to focus on shepherding and prayer as the Deacons tend to the bodily needs of the church.*

“Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.” I Timothy 3:8

*Cited: The Book of Church Order of the Presbyterian Church in America