"The Session" - Our Governing Body 

The Session is the governing body of the church. Good Shepherd, like all Presbyterian churches, is a representative democracy. Session is a group of six elders who are chosen from and by the entire congregation. Governance and authority over church matters resides with these elected leaders. Elders serve a three-year term. 

A member of the session must be an active member of the congregation. Upon election by the congregation, examination by session, ordination and installation, a ruling elder may be asked to serve a second consecutive three-year term. 

Ruling elders: 

• strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation
• serve on at least one of the session's active committees:
  • Worship
  • Music 
  • Facilities
  • Nominating 
  • Personnel 
  • Children's Center
  • Finance
  • Communications
• approve the annual budget and determine the distribution of the church's offerings
• instruct, examine, ordain, install and welcome elders and deacons on their election by the congregation
• delegate and supervise the work of the board of deacons and the board of trustees and all other organizations and task forces within the congregation
• provide for the administration of church programs, including employment of non-ordained staff
• establish and maintain ecumenical relationships necessary for the life and mission of the church

Session meets the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m.