Riverside Presbyterian Church
Our Church Structure

Riverside Presbyterian Church (RPC) is part of the largest Presbyterian denomination, the Presbyterian Church (USA).

RPC is locally governed by the Session.  The Session is made up of 15 members, called elders, who are nominated, elected by the congregation, ordained and installed.  They each serve 3 year terms and serve as chairmen and members of the Commissions. The pastor serves as the moderator of the Session.  We have a democratic system based on the needs of the commissions and the votes of each elder.

While the Session governs the church locally, we are regionally governed by the Central Florida Presbytery, composed of 77churches in Central Florida.  Central Florida Presbytery is part of the Synod of the South Atlantic.  Every two years, commissioners from every Presbytery in the United States gather to meet at the General Assembly.  More information on church governance can be found at PCUSA.org. 

The Board of Deacons is made up of 12 members, called deacons, who are nominated, elected by the congregation, ordained and installed.  They each serve 3 year terms and serve as chairmen and members of the Commissions.  Deacons are the “shepherds of the church” and provide support to church members.