What is an "inactive" elder?

There is a saying at our church: "once an elder, always an elder." This is said to confirm the reality that elders continue to serve regardless of theif status of being active or inactive. This is important to note.

Having said this, the term "inactive" elder refers to their formal position of taking a rest for active duty within the session. The session then is the "active" governing body of the church which operates on a three year term. After the three years, one's status becomes "inactive" but can be activated again (via nomination) after a one year period of rest.

Inactive elders often do not take advantage of their time to rest but continue to serve in various committees such as the Community Awareness Team (see below, marked in green), Missions (see Dick Circle), and in many other areas. Our church continues to be strengthened and blessed by the work of elders who serve even during their times of rest.

 

The Session: The Ministry of the ACTIVE Elders

Session Committees 2007

Administration

Oversees the administrative details of church and staff oversight and review
* Dave Runnion, Jeff Dooley

Communications

Oversees the inter-church communications
* Dave Gish, Peter Kupratis

Community Awareness

Creates and oversees the efforts of the church to make us known to the community and to invite them to our church) 
* Wayne Silzel (inactive), Peter Kupratis, Dave Gish,
Lou Harrington, Todd Elliott (inactive), Shawn Smith (inactive),
Everett Geiss (regular attender, the writer of the article: Why I Worship at Covenant....)

Community Outreach

Designs and oversees outreach and service projects to make Covenant a place of help and hope to the community.
* Lou Harrington

Discipleship and Transformation

Administers the small group ministry of the church and our efforts to disciple our people in the image of Christ.) 
* Bob Cooley,  Walt Posey

Finance

Formulates church budget and handles the financial matters of the church
* Sid Sidfrid, Dave Runnion, Don Shay

Kirk Night

Schedules the speakers for Kirk night and is in charge of the program.
* Peter Hill, Dave Muggee

Missions

Recommends which missions are to be supported, keeps congregation informed on mission matters.
* Dick Circle (inactive), Jim Turner, Darryl Price

Nominating Committee

Facilitates the task of nominating ordained leadership: Elders, deacons, and deaconess. They also nominate school board members.
* Dave Muggee

Restoration

Works to restore members who have fallen because of sin to Christ and the fellowship of the church.
* Sid Sidfrid, Peter Hill

School Board

Serve as member of the school board.  Responsible for the excellence of Covenant Christian School
Bob Cooley, Lou Harrington, Wayne Slaven

Shut in and hospital visitation

Visits the sick and shut in
* Bob Cooley, Dave Muggee

Worship

Oversees the worship and music of the congregation.  Schedules communion * Dave Muggee, Don Shay

Youth and family ministry

Oversees our ministry to children, youth and families
* Darryl Price, Walt Posey

 

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