COVENANT'S GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. ...Corinthians 1: 10.

Covenant Presbyterian Church Is A part of the Presbyterian Church USA. The Following Bodies Form The Hierarchy Of Organization Structures :

AT THE LOCAL CHURCH LEVEL:

The Minister Of The Word And Sacrament

The minister is a member of the Presbytery not of the local congregation s/he servers. When serving as a pastor, s/he is responsible for studying, teaching, and preaching the Word, for administering Baptism, and the Lord's Supper, for praying with and for the congregation. Additionally, the minister, as pastor, is responsible for the selections of the Scripture lessons to be read; the preparation and preaching of the sermon or exposition of the Word; the prayers offered on behalf of the people and those prepared for the use of the people in worship; the music to be sung; the use of drama, dance and other art forms.

The Session

The Session is the highest governing body in the local church and is responsible for its mission and government. It consists of the pastor and elders in active service. The pastor serves as the moderator. All members, including the pastor, are entitled to vote. The Session is to provide for worship and shall encourage the people to participate fully and regularly in it. The Session makes provisions for regular preaching of the Word, celebrating of the Sacraments, corporate prayer and offering of praise to God in song, determine occasions, times, and places for worship. The Session also oversees the work of the church and supervises the Deacons and Trustees.

AT THE DISTRICT, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL LEVELS:

Presbytery

The Presbytery is a corporate expression of the church, consisting of all church ministers of the Word and Sacrament within a certain district. When the Presbytery meets, each church shall be represented by an elder commissioned by the Session. The name of our Presbytery is NEW HOPE made up of 137 churches. The Presbytery office is located in Rocky Mount, NC. The Executive Presbyter-Stated Clerk is Barbara Campbell Davis.

Synod

Synod is the unit of the church's life and mission which consists of not fewer than three presbyteries within a specific geographical region. When the Synod meets, it is composed of commissioners elected by the presbyteries. It is the intermediate governmental unit responsible for the mission of the church throughout its region. The name of our Synod is the SYNOD OF THE MID-ATLANTIC. It is made up of 13 presbyteries; 1,483 churches; and 335,856 members. The synod office is located in Richmond, VA. The Synod Executive, Stated Clerk is Carroll D. Jenkins.

The General Assembly

The General Assembly is the highest governing body made up of the 16 Synods, 172 Presbyteries, Sessions and congregations of the Presbyterian Church (USA) The General Assembly constitutes the bond of union, community, and mission among all its congregations and governing bodies, The headquarters is located in Louisville, KY. There are 11,361 churches with a total of 2,665,276 members

OFFICERS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

The three offices within the Presbyterian Church are those of Elder, Deacon. and Trustee. Their responsibilities and duties are partially explained below.

ELDER

Elders recently elected form the Session, the highest governing body in the local church. They provide service in the administration and regular life of the congregation. It is their duty to strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation committed to their charge. They should:

   
	Encourage the people in their worship and service to God.

	Visit, comfort, and care for the people of the church.

	Inform the pastor of those person who may need special attention.

Twelve elders make up the Session.  The Session meets on the first Thursday of 
each month at 7:00 PM.

DEACON

The office of deacon is one of sympathy, witness and service. Deacons administer to those who are in need, such as the sick, friendless and anyone who may be in distress

There are twelve Deacons on the Board. Each deacon serves as a "Shepherd" to one of the 12 groups of church members known as "sheep". The Board meets on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 PM.

TRUSTEE

The Trustee's responsibilities are to: Be responsible for all of the church's properties, including the land and buildings. Keep in good repair the church's properties as determined by the Session and congregation. Supervise the management of all other church properties. Sufficiently insure all of the church's properties. There are 12 Trustees on the Board. They meet on the third Monday of each month.

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