Our Presbytery consists of 29 churches in four states (IL, IA, WI, MN). The majority of these churches have fewer than 200 members and many are located in small towns. The largest congregation has about 400 members.
Our Presbytery meets three times a year–January, April and September. A typical Presbytery meeting mixes “business” (committee reports, resolving issues that arise) with worship and fellowship. We make time to pray together, focus on missions and outreach, and welcome newcomers and visitors. Almost every meeting includes an examination of a new minister taking a position with one of our churches.
One of the responsibilities of a Presbytery is to give oversight to all of our ministers, including those who are currently not serving a church and those who are still in training or attending seminary. Our ministers, also called teaching elders, are accountable to the Presbytery and thus to each other for their personal and spiritual well-being.
We operate as a Presbytery so that churches and pastors have support and accountability. We need others to pray for us and help us out if we are in trouble. We need each other to fulfill the mission Christ has given us.