The Session

Christian churches organize themselves in a variety of ways. As a congregation within the Reformed tradition, and part of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), we are governed by councils. We believe that organizing ourselves this way is in accord with the biblical witness we receive, and that the mutual support and accountability it brings helps the local congregation, and the church as a whole, to be faithful to Christ’s mission.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has four councils: the session, the presbytery, the synod, and the General Assembly.

The session is the council for the local congregation, and is composed of elders: both ruling elders—members of the congregation elected for service—and the congregation’s pastor (also known as the teaching elder or minister of word and sacrament).

The session’s primary responsibilities are to make sure that: the word of God is truly preached and heard; the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion) are rightly administered and received; and the covenant community of Christ’s disciples—gathered at the First Presbyterian Church of New Haven—is nurtured.

Tim McCloskey

Bruce Peabody
Cindy Crooker
Mike McBride
John Dinkler