Presbyterian Constitution

Oakland Presbyterian Church is governed under the constitution of the Presbyterian Church, USA. The constitution, also known as the Book of Order, provides for two groups to oversee the work of the church.

• The Session, made up of elders, is responsible for overseeing the ministry work and business of the church.


• The Diaconate, made up of deacons, is responsible for the care and nurture of the congregation.

Both of these groups have committees, subcommittees and other groups working together to govern and tend to the Lord's work in our family of faith.

Session

Oakland Presbyterian Church is governed by elected lay people who have been ordained and installed to the office of elder. Fifteen elders make up the governing body, called the Session. Each elder serves a three-year term, with one third of the elders "rotating" off the Session at the end of each year.
(Click here to view a list of the current elders)

The elders currently serving on the session elect a clerk from its members to record the proceedings of each meeting. Each member of the session is appointed to serve on one of the standing committees of the church and to report back to the session regarding any recommendations by the committee.

(Click here to view a list of the standing committees, their responsibilities, and chairs)

Session meetings usually take place the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. Members of the congregation are invited to attend. For more information, contact Jim Hogan, Clerk of Session (session@oaklandpres.org). Congregational meetings are called by the Session to conduct business, such as election of elders and deacons, approve the terms of call for the Pastor, and conduct the annual meeting required by the state to maintain our corporate status.

The Board of Deacons

The office of deacon, as set forth in Scripture, is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, of exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies, and sound judgment should be chosen for this office. (The Book of Order: G-6.0401) It is the duty of deacons, first of all, to minister to those in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith. (The Book of Order: G-6.0402)

Our Board of Deacons insure that members of the church family receive the care, support, and life-encouragement needed for the facing of life’s challenges and offer a caring heart to any whom God brings its way.

The board consists of twelve persons, divided into three classes of four deacons each. The officers of the Board of Deacons are chosen from among those installed to serve. They include a moderator, vice moderator, secretary, visitation chairman, and any others that might become necessary. The pastor is a resource and advisor to the Board of Deacons. The board meets the fourth Monday of each month for spiritual and pastoral growth, to conduct of the business of the board, and to pray for those in need. For more information, contact Jan Myers, moderator (deacons@oaklandpres.org)
(Click here to view a list of the current deacons)

Nominating Church Officers:
Elders and Deacons

The Book of Order states that “elders should be persons of faith, dedication, and good judgment. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian Gospel, both within the church and the world. Elders serve on committees that implement and oversee the various ministries of the church.

“The office of deacon is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ.” Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies and sound judgment should be chosen for this office. Deacons minister to those in need.

Each year a special form will be presented to allow members to nominate Please download the form below to submit your nominations. One nomination per form. Self-nominations are appropriate. The nomination form is the first step in the process. The Congregational Nominating Committee will later present the slate of nominees for the congregation’s consideration. Forms can be placed in the Officer Nomination Box located in the Narthex, or returned to the office by mail (please mark the envelope “Nomination”). Additional forms can be picked up at the church office.
Click here to download Officer Nomination Form (future)