Covenant Presbyterian Church

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Mission
The mission of our church is focused on recruiting, renewing, and reaching out to all people in the name of Jesus Christ. In order to accomplish that mission, we have ordered ourselves according to the classic government of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Our Book of Order states, “That the several different congregations of believers, taken collectively, constitute one Church of Christ, called emphatically the Church; that a larger part of the church, or a representation of it, should govern the smaller; in like manner, a representation of the whole should govern and determine in regard to every part for these principles and this procedure, the example of the apostles and the practice of the primitive (early) Church are considered as authority.”

Covenant Presbyterian Church, thus, has a representative form of government, being ruled by elders elected each year for terms of three years. These elders, along with the pastors, make up the ruling body of the church known as the Session. The Session meets monthly for prayer, study, and to conduct the necessary business of the church so as to order her worship and spiritual nurture.

Under the Session, various councils meet monthly, each being led by a minimum of one elder and one deacon. These councils design, plan, and implement the specific ministries of the church. Meetings are open to all interested parties, and anyone wishing to serve may do so.

Session
The Session is generally responsible for the mission and government of the Church. Its duties include creation and administration of our annual budget, and oversight of our programs such as worship, Christian Education, fellowship, and reception of new members. The Session accomplishes these tasks mainly through ministry councils, which are made up of Session members, members of the Diaconate, and members of the congregation at large. Our Session consists of elder members plus the pastors of the church. Elder members are elected by the congregation for staggered three-year terms, with one-third of the Session being elected each year.

The Session of elected and ordained (layman) elders, moderated by the Senior Pastor, is responsible for the total life of the congregation in its worship and work, and is implemented by the Session through various councils, each one being chaired by an elder with representation also from the Board of Deacons. Councils include the following areas: Worship, Christian Education, Administration, Property, Spiritual Care, Missions, Denominational Relations, Community Ministries, Membership, Finance, Stewardship, Fellowship, and Evangelism.

Each council prepares an annual budget to the Administration Council covering every aspect of its area of responsibility. The Business Administrator works with the Finance Council and the Senior Pastor to insure that the budget is administered with professional business and accounting procedures that satisfy the requirements of the Audit Committee.

Board of Deacons
The Book of Order specifies that, “The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ... It is the duty of deacons, first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith” (G-6.0401-2). The 16-22 members of the Board of Deacons (including one youth deacon serving a one-year term) feel called to serve God in such a capacity. Their involvement on the councils of our church has enabled them to offer sympathy, witness, and service in every arena of ministry in our congregation. The Deacons seek to be the hands of Christ, lifting the congregation up in prayer, helping share the burden of those in need, and leading all to the love of God in word and deed.

Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees represents the congregation of Covenant, and the Trustees serve as officers of the corporation, negotiating and signing all contractual matters on behalf of the congregation.

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Officers Representing Our Congregation

Covenant is a member of the
Peace River Presbytery
PO Box 7339, North Port, FL 34287-7339
Phone: 813-426-8421 • Fax: 813-423-9412

Covenant Presbyterian Church
operates under the Book of Order of the
Presbyterian Church USA