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The Presbyterian church is organized along representative lines, with the separation of powers between the various entities. (I know that this sounds like US Civics 101, but that's because - in the Presbyterian view - those ideas were copied from the Presbyterian church).
The local church is governed by a board of representatives elected from the congregation. They are called elders and the board is the Session. In addition, the pastor or pastors of the church have certain rights and duties that the Session cannot dictate, such as what Scripture to read or who to baptize. On the other hand, only the Session can set the times and places of worship, and allocate the budget of the church. There are other rights and responsibilities, and these are spelled out in the Book of Order, which anyone can read and see.
All the Presbyterian churches in a local area are joined together in a governing body called the Presbytery. The members of the Presbytery are the pastors in the respective churches plus elected representatives from the churches of the Presbytery equal in number to the Pastors. (This is so the laity and the ordained clergy are equal in determining the affairs of the Presbytery). The Presbytery has certain powers not allocated to the local church - for example, they are the ones who approve the educational training of those who want to be Presbyterian ministers and who ordain and install them in the local churches. The Presbytery also (most of the time) holds title to the church property, so it can (and has) close down a church that is not in line with Presbyterian beliefs.
The highest governing body in the Presbyterian church is the General Assembly. It meets once a year or every two years and is made up of representatives elected to it by the Presbyteries. It sets general policy for the church and does those things best done at a national level, such as conduct foreign mission and support seminaries.
There's more to be said - if you are interested, go to your local Presbyterian church and purchase a Book of Order and browse through it.
What else can I help you with?
What is the religion presbyterian?
Presbyterianism is an "umbrella" denomination of a Refomed Protestant Christian body. Along with several other denominations, it has its roots from the teachings of John Calvin. The Presbyterian Church in America and Canada and f course Scotland has its roots from John Knox of Scotland as the founder of Presbyterianism ( Church of Scotland) There are a number of groups (denominations) who call themselves Presbyterian who have varying views of Christianity and how it is worked out in life. Here are a few of them: Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church Church of Scotland Cumberland Presbyterian Church Evangelical Presbyterian Church Orthodox Presbyterian Church Presbyterian Church in America Presbyterian Church in Canada Presbyterian Church of Ireland Presbyterian Church of New Zealand Presbyterian Church USA Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America
When was Catholic Presbyterian Church created?
Catholic Presbyterian Church was created in 1842.
When was Richwood Presbyterian Church created?
Richwood Presbyterian Church was created in 1834.
Is the Church of Scotland Anglican or Presbyterian?
Presbyterian
When was Presbyterian Church in Canada created?
Presbyterian Church in Canada was created in 1875.
When was Concord Presbyterian Church created?
Concord Presbyterian Church was created in 1818.
When was Lynchburg Presbyterian Church created?
Lynchburg Presbyterian Church was created in 1855.
When was Pelzer Presbyterian Church created?
Pelzer Presbyterian Church was created in 1896.
When was Peachtree Presbyterian Church created?
Peachtree Presbyterian Church was created in 1910.
When was Presbyterian Church of Victoria created?
Presbyterian Church of Victoria was created in 1859.
When was Batchellerville Presbyterian Church created?
Batchellerville Presbyterian Church was created in 1867.
When was Oglethorpe Presbyterian Church created?
Oglethorpe Presbyterian Church was created in 1949.
