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Growing in Faith, Fellowship and Service

Consistory

What is the Consistory?

The Consistory is the formal leadership of the church.  At Neshanic Reformed Church, members of the Consistory include the pastor, 6 elders, and 6 deacons.  Together their charge is to discern and carry forth God’s vision for the congregation.  Individual elders and deacons are asked to serve one three-year term.  Their commitment during that time includes the attending of the monthly Consistory meeting; the chairing of a Consistory committee (generally meeting with their respective committee once/month); regular attendance to worship; and of course, living in a way that genuinely integrates the Christian faith within their lives.

What is an Elder?
The primary role of an elder, in addition to being a voting member of the Consistory, is to attend to the spiritual care and oversight of the congregation.  Specifically, our denomination’s Book of Church Order states:
 

Elders are chosen members of spiritual discernment, exemplary life, charitable spirit, and wisdom grounded in God’s Word...They are set apart for a ministry of watchful and responsible care for all matters relating to the welfare and good order of the church.  They are to study God’s Word, to oversee the household of faith, to encourage spiritual growth, to maintain loving discipline, and to provide for the proclamation of the gospel and the celebration of the sacraments. ... Elders exercise an oversight over the conduct of one another, and of the deacons, and of the minister.

What is a Deacon?
The primary role of a deacon, in addition to being a voting member of the Consistory, is to attend to the tangible needs of the congregation.  Specifically, our denomination’s Book of Church Order states:
 
Deacons are chosen members of spiritual commitment, exemplary life, compassionate spirit, and sound judgment, who are set apart for a ministry of mercy, service, and outreach.  They are to receive the contributions of the congregation and to distribute them under the direction of the consistory.  The deacons give particular attention and care to the whole benevolence program of the church. 
 

You are being asked to consider who within this congregation you believe God is calling to serve the church as elders and deacons.  Please enter into this decision prayerfully, humbly, and thoughtfully, and then indicate your nominations on the other side of this page.  If you have further questions about the roles of a Consistory member, do not hesitate to speak with Pastor Dave.

A full term of service for Elders and Deacons is three years.  Terms of office begin in September.  Nominees must be at least 21 years of age. No two members of the same family are able to serve actively on Consistory at the same time. Elders and Deacons who have served their three-year term are ineligible for election to either office for one year.  Members can be ineligible to be nominated to serve as Elder or Deacon because they are either currently serving, have just completed a term, or are a family member of an actively serving Consistory member; church staff and their family members are also ineligible.