ELDERS -- SESSION'S EXPECTATIONS OF ONE ANOTHER AS ELDERS

This policy, adopted by the Session at its May 2006 meeting, sets forth our expectations of one another.

A. THE SEVEN MARKS OF DISCIPLESHIP
We expect our church members to exhibit the Seven Marks of Discipleship our elders approved in 2003. We therefore expect our elders to embrace and exhibit these seven marks:
1. Pray daily
2. Worship weekly
3. Enjoy spiritual friendships
4. Read and study the Scriptures
5. Engage in service in and beyond the church
6. Share the Good News of the Gospel with others, and
7. Practice generosity with one’s time, talent and money.

B. THE ORDINATION VOWS
Elders are also expected to honor their ordination vows. Some of these vows are reflected in the Seven Marks of Discipleship, while others may be summarized as follows:
1. To receive and adopt the essential tenets of the Presbyterian faith (G 2.0500)
2. To submit to being governed by our church’s polity and rules, as contained in the Book of Order, including abiding by the Rules of Discipline.
3. To be a friend among pastors, elders and deacons as colleagues in ministry.
4. To promise to further the peace, unity, and purity of the church.
5. To serve the people with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love.

C. STANDARDS FOR ETHICAL CONDUCT OF ORDAINED OFFICERS
Elders have a standard for ethical conduct, as presented by the Presbyterian Church USA, and which is also found in Good Shepherd’s Leader’s Handbook. Some of these standards are reflected in the Seven Marks of Discipleship or the ordination vows, while others may be summarized as follows:
1. To be faithful, keeping the covenants that are made, including honoring marriage vows;
2. To refrain from abusive, addictive, or exploitative behavior and seek help to overcome such behavior if it occurs;
3. To speak the truth in love, and to refrain from gossip and abusive speech;
4. To refrain from sexual harassment and misconduct as defined by Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) policy; and to report to civil authorities concerns regarding a person’s sexual abuse of children; and
5. To respect the privacy of individuals and not divulge information obtained in confidence without express permission, unless an individual is a danger to self or others.