“I Get to Be Part of This”: Why Elder Service Matters

When Hillary Kauffmann and Jim Wilkie talk about serving as elders at Westminster, they don’t mention titles or meetings. They talk about purpose, connection, and faith in action.

Hear Jim Wikies Elder Journey

For Jim, saying yes—twice—was about growing as a leader and stepping deeper into the life of the church.

“The first time I joined Session, I was already on the Administration & Finance committee, so it was just a bit more responsibility. But the second time, I wanted more—I needed to reengage with church life after COVID. I joined the Youth Committee because that’s where my heart was.”

“Honestly, being an elder made me a better leader. People look to you differently. And it deepened my relationship with God—it gave me back a sense of purpose.”

For Hillary, it’s about having a voice in what God is doing here and seeing the church from the inside out.

“When you’re on Session, you see all the things people do to build up this amazing community. I get to come to a meeting and hear about affordable housing or children’s ministry—and I get to have a voice in it. That’s the amazing part. It’s not, ‘I have to go to another meeting.’ It’s: ‘I get to be part of this.’”

Hear Hillary Kaufmann's Elder Journey

“Every committee has filled me in different ways. It’s connected me with new people. It’s shown me what God is doing through this church—and reminded me how remarkable this place is.”

Their stories are a reminder: elders are not chosen because they have all the answers—they’re chosen because they are willing to serve, listen, and lead with faith.

Is God calling you—or someone you know—to this work?

We’re now accepting nominations for the next class of elders. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to step into this role, watch Hillary and Jim’s videos below. Then ask yourself: Could this be my next step of faith?

Nominations close Sunday, July 27.

Nominate Today