Church Council – Ruling Elders
“As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government of the people, so the New Testament church provided persons with particular gifts to share in discernment of God’s Spirit and governance of God’s people. Accordingly, congregations should elect persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having demonstrated skills in leadership and being compassionate in spirit. Ruling elders are so named not because they “lord it over” the congregation (Matt. 20:25), but because they are chosen by the congregation to discern and measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life. Ruling elders, together with teaching elders, exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships. When elected by the congregation, they shall serve faithfully as members of the session. When elected as commissioners to higher councils, ruling elders participate and vote with the same authority as teaching elders (pastors), and they are eligible for any office.” (Book of Order G-2.0301)
The Council at St. Peter’s is charged with shaping and guiding the vision and mission of the church, nurturing its members, and empowering and equipping them for service. Ruling elders are typically elected to a three-year term and may be re-elected, but may not serve more than 6 years consecutively. The church council typically meets once a month.
2021-2022 Council:
Teresa Barensfeld
Barbara Conkling
Wendy Diskin
Sandy Fischer
Jeff Kiplinger
Larry Massimo
Nancy Ordman – Clerk of Council
David Pearce