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Upcoming Congregational Meeting
Proposed Change to the Number of Deacons
At our congregational meeting on October 25, we will consider a change to our bylaws that would reduce the number of deacons at First Presbyterian Church from 24 to 18.
Why make this change? Our current structure requires the Nominating Committee to find 10 people each year to fill eight three-year deacon positions and two one-year youth positions. Adjusting the size of the diaconate would better align our leadership structure with the size of our congregation while allowing us to continue providing meaningful care and support to our members.
For perspective, other Presbyterian congregations in our area have smaller diaconates relative to their membership:
- Swarthmore Presbyterian: 21 deacons / 650+ members
- St. John’s Presbyterian (Devon): 5 deacons / 180+ members
- Lansdowne Presbyterian: 9 deacons / 125+ members
- Doylestown Presbyterian: 19 deacons / 1,200+ members
- Valley Forge Presbyterian: 8 deacons / 80+ members
This change would happen gradually. We are not asking any current deacon to step down early. Instead, beginning with the class of 2030, we would elect six deacons rather than eight each year, continuing at that pace until the diaconate reaches 18 members. The Deacons and Session have discussed how to support and sustain the ministry of the diaconate with fewer members, and we are confident that this transition is manageable.
Our goal is to create a sustainable leadership structure that supports the important ministry of the deacons for years to come.
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