There are three governing boards, comprised of elected church members and a staff representative, which oversee the various functions of the church: the Session, Deacons and Trustees. Board members are elected by the congregation and serve three year terms.
The Board of Session is the main governing body of the church. Together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, the Session exercises leadership, government and discipline and has responsibility for the life of the church. Session holds regular monthly meetings and acts like a legislative body.
Members of Session, called elders, are ordained and participate in the Sacraments of Communion and Baptism. In addition, elders are members of the various committees and councils which oversee the particular ministries of the church. Elders may also represent our congregation at Presbytery meetings.
The particular responsibility of the Deacons is the care of the individuals in the congregation. This ministry is one of the oldest in the history of Christianity, originating when seven disciples, among them Stephen, were chosen and charged with the special task of caring for widows and the needy (Acts 6).
When individuals and families are faced with special needs, the deacons are often the contacts through whom the church offers its concern and its help. They provide compassion and encouragement, and, as the need arises, practical help such as meals and transportation. The deacons are there to help.
The particular responsibility of the Trustees is the financial and facility management of the church. On November 8, 1785 in Trenton, New Jersey an Act for Incorporating Sundry Persons As Trustees of The Presbyterian Congregation at Baskenridge, in the Counties of Somerset and Morris was passed. We have had an active Board of Trustees since that date.
The responsibility to be caretakers of our historic church and cemetery is an awesome one. The Trustees strive to make our campus a welcoming and safe place for all. They diligently manage the routine finances of the church as well as the endowment investments we are entrusted to preserve to insure that The Presbyterian Church will be here to serve future generations.