Editing Presbyterian polity (section)

===Session===
{{main|Session (Presbyterian)}}

A session is a corporate body of teaching and ruling elders elected by a particular church. ''sessio'' from ''sedere'' "to sit"), sometimes the ''Kirk session'', ''church session,'' or (in [[Continental Reformed church|Continental Reformed]] usage) ''consistory''. In some Continental Reformed churches, deacons are members of the consistory; others, such as the [[Christian Reformed Church in North America]], distinguish between the consistory, comprising the pastor and elders, and the council, which comprises the pastor(s), the elders, and the deacons.<ref>Christian Reformed Church of North America Church Order Article 35 a-b(2015)</ref>

In most denominations the pastor serves as Moderator and presides over the session ([[primus inter pares]]), in which all elders have an equal vote.{{sfn|Miller|1842}}{{rp|at=Chapter 9}} In some denominations, the pastor is not given a vote; however, in a sitting body of an even number or with a [[quorum]] of the session counted they can break a tie by a casting vote.

In the Polity of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the pastor and associate pastor(s), if elected by the congregation and "installed" to a permanent pastorate by the presbytery, have votes as members of the session on any and all matters;<ref>PCUSA Book of Order G-10.0101</ref> however, often they refrain from voting except in tie situations. The Pastor is not a voting member of the congregation.<ref>PCUSA Book of Order G-7.0308</ref>

With the Session there is one person, usually an elder but not always, who will be given the title, "Clerk of Session".  This person is more or less the secretary for Session. They take notes on each meeting and are responsible for records of the congregation. In addition they find a wide area of responsibility, including responsibility for conduct of worship should a minister suddenly not be available. 
Although it is the responsibility of the Moderator (minister), Session Clerks often have the ability to assist in keeping meetings on track due to skills which are received from experience and the Holy Spirit.