Committees

In the Presbyterian model of church governance, the Session is the governing body of the congregation.  It is composed of the pastor(s), associate pastor(s), and elders in active service.  Elders are nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the congregation at the Annual Meeting.  The Book of Order instructs that Session be formed out of the fellowship of the church, which is defined by people in “voluntary covenanted relationship with one another and with God through Jesus Christ.”(G. 7.0103) The Session of First Presbyterian Church of Oakland is composed of 12 elders.  They serve the church through leadership in meetings of the Session and through committees.  They are called to be a community of spiritual leaders in and for the church.  Elders serve three year terms.

There are currently nine committees of Session that help fulfill the mission and responsibilities of this church. Each committee is chaired by an active elder and is compromised of members and friends of the congregation. Committee members serve three year terms. The chair invites congregants to serve on committees and any voting members are approved by Session. Each committee has five voting members. Additional members of committees would be non-voting members. The chair may invite committee members to serve a second term. It is recommended that congregants serve on no more than two committees at any one time to allow other members to get involved and served the congregation. It is recommended that chairs invite participation that reflects the diversity of the congregation.