STAFF & LEADERSHIP
The Rev. Dr. J. P. Kang
Pastor & Head of Staff
The Rev. Satoru Nakanishi
Associate Pastor,
Japanese Language Ministries
The Rev. Byron Walker
Associate Pastor,
Children, Youth & Families
DEACONS
From left: Suzy K., Craig O., Shari M., Lisa K., Carolyn W., Mark Y., Kim C., Grant K., Leslee K., and Jerry S. (Not pictured: Joan H. and Laura S.)
The ministry of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress. (Book of Order, G-2.0201)
Presby’s Deacons are organized into several teams (Japanese language ministry, Logistical Support, Fellowship, and Congregational Care) and meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month except July, August, and December.
SESSION
From left: Ellen Y., Phyllis S., Heather J. (until Sep 2025), Marc T., Maki P., Joyce B., Satoru N., Sharon O., and J. P. K. (Not pictured: D.G. B., Shawna N., Byron W.)
As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government of the people, so the New Testament church provided persons with particular gifts to share in discernment of God’s Spirit and governance of God’s people. Accordingly, congregations should elect persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having demonstrated skills in leadership and being compassionate in spirit. Ruling elders are so named not because they “lord it over” the congregation (Matt. 20:25), but because they are chosen by the congregation to discern and measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life. Ruling elders, together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships. When elected by the congregation, they shall serve faithfully as members of the session. When elected as commissioners to higher councils, ruling elders participate and vote with the same authority as ministers of the Word and Sacrament, and they are eligible for any office. (Book of Order, G-2.0301)
The Session is comprised of Teaching Elders (also called Ministers of Word and Sacrament) and three classes of Ruling Elders. Presby’s Session meets monthly on the second Thursday evening.