The Session: The Session consists of elected Elders and the Minister(s) who, as a group, make decisions related to the mission and government of the church. Our session has 21 elders who generally serve 3 year terms. All men and women who are members of First Presybterian Church are eligible to be nominated to the Session.
The Presbytery is made up of the churches and ministers within a given geographical area. First Presbyterian Church of Niles is one of 71 churches in Southwest Michigan belonging to the Lake Michigan Presbytery.
The Synod is a group of Presbyteries from a geographical area. We are a member of the Synod of the Covenant which includes Presbyterian Churches of Michigan and Ohio.
The General Assembly includes all the Presbyteries in the United States. The General Assembly is responsible for mission directives and programming for all its member Presbyterian churches. Decisions that affect all of the Presbyterian Church (USA) are made by equal numbers of elders and ministers from each of the Presbyteries.
The Board of Deacons consists of 18 church members who administer to the welfare of the congregation and local mission. Deacons are elected by the congregation and generally serve 3 year terms.
The Foundation Board governs the use of the Endowed Funds for major improvements in the church building and its infrastructure.
Anyone can participate in committee activities of either the Deacons or the Session. Contact the appropriate chairperson of either the Deacons or the Session to offer your participation.
