Westminster's Session (governing body) is comprised of nine currently serving Elders and the Pastor. Together, they have overall leadership responsibility for the mission and ministry of the congregation. The responsibilities, authorities and composition of Session are defined by the church by-laws and the Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Order.

Elders are elected by the congregation for a three year term of service; they are ordained/installed to the position of Elder. The Session is made up of three equal-sized classes, with three beginning new service each year. Elders are elected from among the church membership; one must be an active member of the church to be considered for the position of Elder. In addition to serving on Session, Elders serve as liaisons to six of the nine standing committees of the church. The CYM Director, who is the Chair of the CYM Committee and the Adult Ministries Coordinator, who serves as the Chair of the Adult Ministries Committee attend Session meeting, but do not have a vote.

The Pastor serves as the Moderator of the Session. Session is also served by the Clerk of Session, who prepares and maintains the minutes of the Session meetings, handles all correspondence to and from Session, and is responsible for maintaining the records of membership in the church.

Contact Clerk of Session

Current members of Session and the committees to which they serve as liaison are listed below:

The Session leads the congregation in many ways (responsibilities are listed fully in the Book of Order G-10.0102). Session has the responsibility and authority to:

1. Provide opportunities, encouragement and leadership for evangelism both within and outside the church;
2. Receive members into the church;
3. Lead the congregation in participation in the mission of the church both locally and globally;
4. Provide for the worship of the people of God;
5. Provide for the growth of discipleship of the congregation through personal and pastoral care and education;
6. Lead the congregation in ministries of personal and social healing;
7. Educate and challenge the congregation in the stewardship of money, time, and talents;
8. Establish and manage the annual Ministry Budgets;
9. Lead the congregation continually to discover what God is doing in the world and to plan for change, renewal, and reformation under the Word of God;
10. Instruct, examine, ordain, install, and welcome into ministry Elders and Deacons upon their election to office;
11. Provide for administration of the program of the church including employment of staff;
12. Maintain regular and continuing relationship to the higher governing bodies of the Presbyterian Church;
13. Supporting and interpreting Presbyterian polity and mission.

WPC Session and Committee Structure - Policies and Procedures

WPC Elder - Job Description