Church Leadership

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.

Pastor Jon Watt

St. James is a congregation of passionate people who volunteer their time in service with the church, many in leadership positions. The name “Presbyterian” means “governed by elders.” Presbyterian churches are effectively a representative democracy, somewhat similar to the government of the United States.

The leadership of our congregation comes from the Session, a group of women and men, elected to three-year terms by the congregation as Ruling Elders, who serve along with our Teaching Elder(pastor). We also have a Diaconate, made up of women and men elected as Deacons to care for and nurture the church. Deacons are elected in the same manner as members of the Session.

Members of the Session and Diaconate, together with our Pastor and Church Staff, form the leadership of the Church.