"For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake." (2 Corinthians 4:5)
Spiritual Leadership...
The Session at Immanuel Orthodox Presbyterian Church believes in the high calling of the Lord and the responsibilities of this office as spiritual leaders and servants of this local congregation. The Session is the governing body within the local congregation and is comprised of the Pastor and the Ruling Elders.
Responsibilities of the Session:
Spiritual leadership of the local congregation in humility
Defenders from heresy
Prayer warriors for the congregation
Teachers of the Word
Settlers of disputes
The office of Elder should be sought by Godly men and not taken lightly. This is an office with high responsibility and stricter judgement! "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness." (James 3:1)
The Duties of Ruling Elders at Immanuel OPC
"Ruling elders, individually and jointly with the pastor in the session, are to lead the church in the service of Christ. They are to watch diligently over the people committed to their charge to prevent corruption of doctrine or morals. Evils which they cannot correct by private admonition they should bring to the notice of the session. They should visit the people, especially the sick, instruct the ignorant, comfort the mourning, and nourish and guard the children of the covenant. They should pray with and for the people. They should have particular concern for the doctrine and conduct of the minister of the Word and help him in his labors."(Book of Church Order - OPC)
The Biblical Requirements of an Elder (Overseer)
"The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil." (1 Timothy 3:1-7)
How to contact the Session...
If you have a spiritual need or have a prayer request, please reach out to the Pastor or and Elder. All requests will be kept in the strictest confidence and we encourage you to use these spiritual leaders of the Lord accordingly.