The Session has called a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, May 5th at 10:30 AM in the sanctuary for the purpose of amending the bylaws to include a position of youth ruling elder and youth deacon. While new to Unity, this initiative is quite common in other Presbyterian churches in the Charlotte area and across the country. Here are the basics:
- The youth ruling elder and youth deacon positions would be for a high school aged student to serve a 1-year term and would be in addition to our current 18 ruling elders and 27 deacons.
- Youth ruling elders and deacons would serve as full members of the Session or Diaconate and participate fully in new officer training with other new officers.
- The same guidelines of spiritual maturity, involvement in the life and ministry of the church, and prohibition against nominating family members of the nominating committee would be followed when identifying those whom God has called to serve as youth ruling elders and youth deacons.
- If those particularly gifted and called to serve as youth ruling elders or deacons are not identified or able to serve in a given year, the position(s) may be left vacant for that year.
Pastors at other churches with youth elders and deacons strongly recommend it:
“We have had a youth elder on Session for about seven years and it’s been a great experience across the board, especially for youth being recognized as leaders of the church today.”
Rev. Steve Lindsley, Senior Pastor
Trinity Presbyterian Church, Charlotte
“I’ve had the privilege to be a part of three congregations that ordained youth into the offices of ruling elder. Their presence and their voice offered a perspective of issues that always had positive impacts. In a rapidly changing culture – both church and secular – the insights, experiences, and involvement of our youth are imperative as the church continues to proclaim the gospel in our church, community, and beyond.”
Rev. Chip Pope, Associate Pastor for Youth & their families,
White Memorial Presbyterian Church, Raleigh
“It has been a hallmark of this church to have youth elders and the position is well respected. Many older members talk about when they were a youth elder and/or when their child/grandchild was.”
Rev. Ben Kane, Senior Pastor
Second Presbyterian Church, Little Rock, AR
For additional information or with questions, please contact Dr. Matt, Pastor Molly, or Susan Mobley (2024 Officer Nominating Committee chair).