CHURCH
STRUCTURE
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.)
The
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), of which Christ Church Presbyterian (USA) is a
part, traces its roots back to the beginnings of Christianity. In the 16th
century, Christians in Geneva, Switzerland, created a new, more democratic form of city and church
government called "presbyterian," which
means, "governed by elders." The
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) today is based on this representative form of
government.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is a connectional church, functioning on
several levels, the first level being the local church. Local churches are
grouped geographically into Presbyteries, and Presbyteries are grouped to form
Synods. Christ Church Presbyterian (USA) is a part of the Eastern Iowa Presbytery,
which is in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies. The highest level of the church is
called the General Assembly, which meets every year with representatives coming
from all levels of the church, across the entire country and internationally,
to consider the issues, the business, and the mission of the church.
THE SESSION
The
Session, the ruling body of the local church, is made up of Elders elected by
the congregation for three-year terms to manage the mission, programs, and
finances of the church. Twelve elders serve on Christ Church Presbyterian
(USA)'s Session.
THE DEACONS
The
congregation also elects Deacons for three-year terms, to offer a ministry of
care-giving to the congregation.
THE COMMITTEE
STRUCTURE
At Christ
Church Presbyterian (USA), the Session is divided into Units, to organize and
oversee the work of the church. Christ Church Presbyterian (USA)'s four units
are:
·
Stewardship and
Property
·
Worship and Policy
·
The Christian Education
·
Personnel
Within each
unit, many committees carry out the ministry and mission of the church. Committees and committee membership are
listed under the ministry tab.