At First Presbyterian Church of Salem, “our” ministry really is “our” ministry! Presbyterians believe that no one person has all the knowledge or skills that are needed to serve Jesus Christ in the way we want to serve him. We believe that we make the best decisions when we make them in conversation with one another. In fact, we believe that the Holy Spirit speaks to us most clearly as we listen to each others’ viewpoints.

 

Decisions in the Church are made by a group called the “Session.” The Session is made up of members of the Church, both men and women, who are elected by the congregation. These persons are then ordained as “elders” who are recognized as having gifts of leadership. The pastor is also a member of the Session.

 

“Deacons” are also ordained church members. Our Board of Deacons carries out a ministry of sympathy and service. They are concerned to care for the members of the congregation, especially those who are sick or bereaved.

 

Members of the Session serve as chairpersons, or “moderators,”
of the committees of the church. Our committees include:

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Worship, Music and the Arts

Christian Education

Mission Interpretation and Stewardship

Congregational Care

Finance and Administration

Property and Maintenance

 

Each committee includes elders,

deacons, and other members of

the congregation who have an

interest in that committee’s work.