Elders, Deacons & Leadership Teams

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Elders/Session Session is the governing body of VPC. Session is made up of 18 elders elected by the congregation for three year terms, a Clerk of Session (who may or may not be an active elder), and the pastors. It is the duty of the elders to strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation and to encourage people in the worship and service of God. Elders are to equip and renew people for their tasks within the church and for mission in the world. They also visit, comfort, and care for people. Board of Deacons' The Board of Deacons, consists of members elected by the congregation for three year terms.  The mission of the Board of Deacons is to support the mission of Vanderbilt Church and to provide ministries of sympathy, witness and service. Areas of Ministry:  Bereavement, Card Ministry, Communion Preparation and Serving, Feed 5000, Financial Assistance, Flowers of Remembrance, Letters of Joy and Concern, Visitation/Communications Program, Congregational Care.   Vanderbilt Ministry Teams Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church Ministry teams, carry out the work of the church, guided by their mission statements. If you would like to share your time and talents with one of our ministry teams, please call the church office. Budget, Finance & Investments Ministry To guide the Session and its Ministry Teams through the annual budgeting process and maintain the financial integrity of the church by exercising continual oversight of its financial condition, financial operating performance, use of funds held for special purposes, and adherence to adopted policies and procedures. Building & Grounds Ministry   To oversee the maintenance of Church property and grounds and to promote, direct, and guide improvements in aesthetics and functionality for the benefit of current and future members.  Christian Witness in Public Life (CWPL Team) To research, investigate and interpret issues concerning social justice for our congregation.  These issues may be of local, national or global significance.  The Team will provide information and may advocate possible actions in which the members of the congregation may choose to participate. Church Staff Personnel Ministry   To provide the pastors and all church employees with the proper support in the performance of their duties and responsibilities to the church. Education Ministry   To foster the spiritual growth and nurture of all groups in the church and community; to teach the Good News of the Gospel; and to equip people for Christian discipleship. Endowment Fund Board To create and manage a successful Endowment Fund for Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church.    Evangelism & Membership Ministry   To reach out to the community with the "good news" of Jesus Christ's love, facilitate the integration of new members into the life of the congregation, and contact and encourage members who have declining involvement n the life of the congregation. Family Ministry To encourage and involve the families of Vanderbilt Church in positive activities that bring each family closer together and facilitate a closer relationship to god, both as a family and in individual lives.  Hospitality and Fellowship Ministry   To organize and host events that bring our church family together for food, fun, and fellowship. Ministry Development To help members of Vanderbilt Church match their interest, time, and spiritual gifts with ministry and service opportunities that exist to support the work of the church.  Support a leadership training program that is designed to meet the specific needs of current Team members and church leaders.  Mission Involvement Ministry   To lead, influence, energize, and support the congregation in serving the basic needs of those in our community and the world at large...all in Christ's name. Nominating Committee To provide the congregation with a slate of candidates for Session, the Board of Deacons, and the Nominating Committee to replace vacancies annually or when they occur.  Provide the Session with a candidate for Church Treasurer annually or sooner if a vacancy occurs.  Small Group Ministry To develop and sustain a church-wide small group lifestyle where groups of six to ten persons choose various approaches to become more focused about being part of the Vanderbilt Church family. Stephen Ministry To offer confidential and distinctively Christian care by equipped lay persons to those who are experiencing changing life circumstances both in our congregation and in the community.  "Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."  Galatians 6:2 Stewardship Ministry To equip and motivate the members of our congregation with the desire to be good stewards of the gifts God has provided...Time, Talents, and Financial Resources...in furthering the mission of Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church. Worship, Music & Liturgical Arts Ministry To glorify God and to encourage, develop, nurture, and sustain spirituality among the people of God at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church through worship, music and liturgical arts. Wholistic Health Ministry To energize the Vanderbilt Church members with the understanding that Wholeness is more than just health.  Wholeness is being mentally fit, physically robust, spiritually vital, and socially comfortable.  It is being able to face accidents, aging, and illness with a positive outlook.  Most of all, it is trusting that God has a "better idea" for living, and that he is eager to help us experience full life.