The basic principles of the Presbyterian Church governing:

The members selected and elected to serve as an Elder, Deacon or Trustee are not simply to reflect the will of the people, but rather to seek together to find and represent the will of Christ

Decisions shall be reached in governing bodies by vote, following opportunity for discussion, and a majority shall govern

Duties of Deacons

The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, sincere compassion, and sound judgment should be chosen for this office.

It is the duty of deacons:

a.        first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith

b.      they shall assume such other duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the session, such as leading the people in worship through prayers of intercession, reading the Scriptures, presenting the gifts of the people and assisting with the Lord's Supper

c.       a deacon 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

d.      as the whole church is under the jurisdiction of the session, the board of deacons shall be under its supervision and authority

e.      the records of the board of deacons shall be submitted to the session at least annually and at other times upon the request of the session

f.        the session may void or amend any action of the board of deacons, or direct the board to reconsider such action

g.       the board shall meet regularly, or upon the call of its moderator, or when directed to meet by the session, but it shall meet at least Quarterly

h.      the board shall determine its own quorum

i.         a joint meeting of the session and board of deacons shall be held at least annually to confer on matters of common interest, with the moderator of the session presiding no binding decision may be reached in such joint meeting, but the session and the board may act separately on matters committed to their care

j.        Deacons may be appointed by governing bodies to serve on committees or as trustees

k.       the session may select and appoint other members of the congregation to assist the deacons in their ministry of compassion

l.         a congregation by a majority vote may elect not to use the office of deacon. In such a case, or in the case where deacons cannot be secured, the function of the office shall always be preserved and shall devolve upon the elders and the session.