The Elders
Elders
are chosen by the people. Together with ministers of the Word and
Sacrament, they exercise leadership, government, and discipline and
have reponsibilitites for the life of a particular church as well as
the church at large, including ecumenical relationships. They shall
serve faithfully as members of the session.
Elders
should be persons of faith, dedication, and good jugment. Their manner
of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel, both within
the church and in the world.
- It is the
duty of elders, individually and jointly, to strengthen and nurture the
faith and life of the congregation committed to their charge. Together
with the pastor, they should encourage the people in the worship and service of God, equip and renew them for their tasks within the church and for their mission in the world, visit and comfort and care for the people, with special
attention to the poor, the sick, the lonely, and those who are oppressed. They should inform the pastor and session of those persons and structures which may need special attention. They should assist in worship. They should cultivate their ability to teach the Bible and may be authorized to supply places which are without the regular ministry of the Word and Sacrament. In specific circumstances and with proper instruction, specific elders may be authorized by the presbytery to administer the Lord’s Supper. Those duties which all Christians are bound to perform by the law of love are especially incumbent upon elders because of their calling to office and are to be fulfilled by them as official responsibilities. - An elder shall report to ecclesiastical and civil legal authorities knowledge, gained in the course of service to the church, of harm, or the risk of harm, related to the physical abuse, neglect, and/or sexual molestation or abuse of a minor or an adult who lacks mental capacity when (1) such information is gained outside of privileged communication; or (2) she or he reasonably believes that there is risk of future physical harm or abuse.