Elders, Deacons & Leadership Teams

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

About Vanderbilt Elders, Deacons & Ministry Teams
 

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, 21 members elected by the congregation for three year terms.  The Board of Deacons has as its duty to minister to those in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress.  Other duties may be assigned by the Session. Angel Tree Ministry, Bereavement, Cards, Communications, Deacons' Assistance Fund, Feed 5000 Food Drive, Letters of Concern, New Membership Follow-up, Transportation, Visitations, Flower Delivery  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 and Long-Range Planning To administer the annual budget process and plan the future of Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church with a systematic forecast of growth in membership so that the worship experience continues to provide for the spiritual needs of the congregation. Building & Grounds  To maintain the church and its surrounding property in first-class condition within budgetary guidelines. Christian Witness in Public Life (CWPL Team) To research, investigate and interpret issues of local, national, or global significance concerning social justice for our congregation, with information and suggestions of possible action on this issues provided to congregation members. Church Staff Personnel To provide the pastors and all church employees with the proper support in the performance of their duties and responsibilities to the church. Education Ministries To foster the spiritual growth and nurture of all age groups in the church through nursery, education, biblically based curriculum, teacher recruitment and training, leader development, family-based youth ministry, library, vacation church school, confirmation classes, and camp scholarships Family Ministry To foster a welcoming, nurturing, Christian environment for families, and to endeavor to open the hearts and minds of our children, parents, and grandparents to the presence of God's grace in our lives and its effect on our faith journeys, both in and away from the church.   Hospitality and Fellowship  To encourage involvement in the church and interaction among the members and to foster an atmosphere of Christian friendship through activities, after-worship fellowship, and communal dinners. Ministry Development  To identify church members who have the interest and potential for leadership positions at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, provide them with leadership training, and support an on-going leadership training process for current leaders.   Mission Involvement  To lead, influence, energize, and support the congregation in serving the basic needs (shelter, hunger, health, and spiritual well-being) of those in our community and the world at large. New Church Development To engage in the command to "go and make disciples of all nations" by birthing a new Presbyterian congregation within two to three years in North Collier County and thereafter to maintain a parenting relationship with the new church for three to five years 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.  Evangelism & Membership To build up the church through a ministry of evangelism which reaches out to prospective members and which invites congregation members to grow spiritually through service and witness.  Small Group Ministries To develop and sustain a church-wide small group lifestyle where persons encourage one another, study scripture or Christian literature, and pray for one another.  Stephen Ministry Stewardship Ministry Endowment Fund Board To educate and help members of the congregation to be a good stewards, by utilizing their time, talents, and financial resources toward caring for and helping others.