Presbyterian polity
Presbyterian polity is a method of church governance typified by the rule of assemblies of presbyters, or elders. Each local church is governed by a body of elected elders usually called the
session or
consistory, though other terms, such as
church board, may apply. Groups of local churches are governed by a higher assembly of elders known as the
presbytery or
classis; presbyteries can be grouped into a
synod, and Presbyteries, along with synods nationwide often join together in a
general assembly. Responsibility for conduct of church services is reserved to an ordained minister or pastor known as a
teaching elder, or a
minister of the word and sacrament. Presbyterian polity was developed as a rejection of governance by hierarchies of single bishops, but also differs from the congregationalist polity in which each congregation is independent. In contrast to the other two forms, authority in the presbyterian polity flows both from the top down and from the bottom up. This theory of governance developed in Geneva under John Calvin and was introduced to Scotland by John Knox after his period of exile in Geneva.