The following information is taken from the United Church of Canada Manual, as well as the Guide for Board and Committee Members of Congregations in the United Church of Canada
The minister is the chairperson of Session. She may introduce business appropriate to the Session, take part in discussion, take the vote and announce decisions – but only cast a deciding vote when such becomes necessary.
Summary of Duties of the Session
1. Oversight of the spiritual interests of the congregation, together with
the minister. Each member of Session should be assigned to a portion of the
congregation. Regular visits to the homes of all church-related families and
persons, as planned by the Session, will help to cultivate acquaintance with
them, will enable the Session to discover any special needs or difficulties
with which the church might help, will give Session members opportunity to hear
how they feel about the services or worship, and can encourage their participation
in the life and work of the congregation.
2. The admission of persons into full membership, and the granting of certificates
of removal.
3. The conduct of members with power to exercise discipline.
4. The administration of the sacraments.
5. The religious training of the young, and the organization of meetings for
Christian fellowship, instruction and work. For this purpose a Christian Education
Committee should be appointed.
6. The order of public worship, both the service of praise and the use of the
church building.
7. The care of the poor and the visiting of the sick.
8. The outreach of the congregation in evangelism and social action.
9. Receive and judge petitions, etc from members to transmit petitions, appeals,
etc to Presbytery.
10. Recommend suitable candidates for the ministry and to recommend suitable
lay persons to Presbyteries for license to preach or for training.
11. Keep the roll of the Chruch.
12. Keep the record of children and adherents.
13. Keep the register of baptisms, marriages and burials.