A group of 12 ruling Elders, called the Session, is elected by the congregation to exercise oversight of congregational affairs for 3 year terms with 2 youth members serving one year terms. The Session governs according to the Book of Order established by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), with the pastor as Moderator of the Session. In good Presbyterian fashion, the DPC Session handles a great deal of its business by means of committees. We find that smaller groups, comprised of those who have particular interest and competence in dealing with a subject are most effective in accomplishing needed tasks.

These Committees and Teams plus a Board of Deacons help the DPC Session do its work:

• Christian Education
• Fellowship
• Finance
• Mission
• Personnel
• Property
• Worship
• Good Shepherd School

Each committee consists of at least one Elder appointed annually by the Session plus others from the congregation. The term of service for committee members is for one year (January-December), but members may be asked to continue in service at the request of committee chairs. The Elder(s) assigned to a committee shall serve as (co-)chairpersons for purposes of communicating with the Session. Within the committee itself, responsibilities will be assigned on the basis of interest and ability. Each committee has the option of distributing its work load to subcommittees of its own design. Each committee also has the responsibility for making budget recommendations for their own work and work related to their areas of responsibility. There is no set schedule for meetings of the standing committees. Some, by the nature of the tasks which are confronting them at one particular moment will meet with considerable frequency. However, it is expected that the committees normally would meet at least quarterly, making regular reports on their activities to the Session.

The current Session members, listed by their expiring term, are:

The Operating Manual for the committees and teams are listed below:

Personnel Policies and Procedures

These policies and procedures cover all staff, unless specific exceptions are made in the employment agreement or ordained call of specific employees.