The Presbyterian Church in Canada ordains congregational members as ruling elders.  Men and women are ordained to share with the minister in the leadership, pastoral care and oversight of the congregation.  An elder must be a professing member of the congregation and “must be an example to the believers in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity“ 1Timothy 4:12.
The number of elders in a congregation cannot be limited.  The decision is determined by the Session based on the numbers required by the circumstances of the congregation. St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Orillia currently has 21 Elders, ten of whom are women.  Elders are ordained for life, however if term eldership has been implemented an elder may fulfill the office for six years and may stand for re-election at the end of each six year term.

The Session of a congregation then consists of its minister or ministers, its’ active members of the Order of Diaconal Ministers and its Ruling Elders.

The Session is responsible for the membership, supervision and oversight of the congregation; Policies and Procedures; Pastoral Care; Worship; Christian Education; Stewardship; and Mission.

The Session may delegate some of its responsibilities to various groups, who will report to Session i.e. Board of Managers who look after Property and Finances.

The Session is active in leadership ministry as they enable the people of the congregation to live in the world faithfully as Christian disciples.

Clerk of Session:  Don Lamont

Session Members:  Allison Ormerod, Gord Grimshaw, James Leach, Lorraine Adams, Marie M Smith, Barry Anderson, Barry Doyle, Harry Gyde, Ruth Gyde Greg Gillett, Jeff Benner, Ron Williams, Lisa Fenton, Patty Bell, Sheila Mckerroll, Henry Wilson, Lolly Lapp Vink, Tom Platt, Sherry Vanderburg, Carol Ann Curtis.

The Board of Managers:

In our congregation, our Board of Managers works diligently to maintain the church building and properties.  They also monitor the church’s budget to ensure that committees and teams remain creative but respectful of the financial boundaries set for them.  From climbing to the top of the tallest steeple to finding the bats in the organ pipes(!), the Board members work tireless hours to make sure that there is a well maintained place through which we can offer our ministries.

Various Committees and Teams :

In the Presbyterian system, Session gives oversight but countless volunteers organize themselves in various teams and committees to make sure that all our goals and ministry is carried out.  You will see in the category Our Ministries only a sampling of the many groups that meet in and beyond this congregation.  We are an active church and we welcome everyone to use their God given gifts and passions.  From motorcyclists to quiet home visitation, everyone’s talents can be used to God’s glory.