The Session – Ruling Elders
The Session is the duly constituted council of First Presbyterian Church, Nashville, Tennessee, consisting of all teaching elders (pastors) and ruling elders in active service. The office of ruling elder and the duties and responsibilities of the Session in a Presbyterian church are patterned on the overseer of the early church. It has ultimate responsibility for all facets of the life of the church, its mission, and its government. The importance of this office is emphasized by the fact that our denomination takes its name from presbuteros, the Greek word for elder.
Class of 2023 | Class of 2024 | Class of 2025 |
Steve Becker |
John Callison |
Bill Akin |
The Diaconate – Deacons
The Diaconate is the board of deacons of First Presbyterian Church, Nashville, consisting of all deacons in active service. The primary purpose of deacons is to serve those in need. This ministry of compassion may take many forms, but it is most directly implicated in the work of the church’s ministry and mission councils. The Diaconate serves as an advisory body to the Session, and deacons assist the ruling elders in performing many of the functions assigned to the Session.
Class of 2023 | Class of 2024 | Class of 2025 |
Summer Bryan |
Alex Apple |
John Atchley |