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Overview

Covenant of Grace Presbyterian Church in America seeks to be scriptural in both its government and its doctrine. The form of church government that we believe is the most biblical is called "presbyterian." "Presbyter" is the New Testament word for "elder" and the New Testament directs that the church be governed by groups of elders elected by each congregation (for instance, see Acts 20:17; Titus 1:5-7). This form of government has been followed by the great Reformed and Presbyterian branches of Christendom since the days of John Calvin in Europe and John Knox in England and Scotland. Covenant of Grace’s governing structure is made up of two bodies, the Session and the Board of Deacons. Pastors, Elders, and Deacons are elected by Covenant’s membership.

Session

The Session is the ruling body of the local church. The Session is made up of elected Ruling Elders and the Teaching Elders (Senior and Associate Pastors). The primary responsibility of the Session is the spiritual oversight, or "shepherding" of the congregation. It is responsible for all ministries of the church; and, to insure that they are carrying out the ministry of Christ faithfully. In order to carry out this responsibility in the most efficient manner, the organized ministries and activities of the church are assigned to the Session to oversee, either through its committees, individual elders or the Session as a whole.

Board of Deacons

The Board of Deacons is responsible for the administration of the church. The office of Deacon is one of sympathy and service, after the example of the Lord Jesus. The duty of the Deacons is to encourage the congregation to fulfill its' joint duty to minister to the needy, to the sick, to the friendless, and to those in distress both inside and outside the congregation. The Deacons also are charged with the responsibility of developing the grace of liberal giving in the members of the church; and, with caring for the property of the congregation. The Board of Deacons is under the supervision and guidance of the Session.