As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government of the people (Exodus 3:16, Numbers 11:16, 1 Samuel 8:4), so the New Testament Church provided persons with particular gifts to share in governing and ministry (Acts 15:2, 1 Timothy 5:17, James 5:14).  Our name as Presbyterians comes from the Greek word for elder, "presbuteros," so to be Presbyterian is to follow in this biblical model of ruling elders who prayerfully discern together God's will for the church.

Elders are called by God and chosen by the people. Together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, they exercise leadership, government, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a particular church as well as the church at large. They shall serve faithfully as members of the session.  The session of a particular church consists of the pastor or co-pastors, the associate pastors, and the elders in active service. All members of the session, including the pastor, co-pastors, and associate pastors, are entitled to vote.