The Session
In the Presbyterian Church of America, individual churches are led by appointed leaders called elders who serve together on a board called the Session. The Session is collectively tasked with the government and spiritual oversight of the church. There are two types of elders: ruling elders, who are appointed and ordained to lead and shepherd the church, and teaching elders, who are ordained ministers called to that same task, as well as to shepherd the church through teaching, preaching, and administering the sacraments.
The Diaconate
Whereas the office of elder is established in Scripture as an office of oversight, shepherding, and spiritual guidance, the office of deacon is set forth as one of tangible service and mercy. As it says in our Presbyterian Book of Church Order, "it is the duty of deacons to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress." Our deacons work alongside the Session in order to serve, and equip others to serve, the physical needs of our congregation, our facility, and our community.