Our Model

Churches operate under many different models. Some have a centralised, hierarchical structure with authority concentrated in individuals who oversee the congregations alloted to them. (Roman, Anglican and Orthodox churches follow this pattern.) Other churches operate independently with authority being held collectively by the members of congregations that may (or may not) co-operate with others. (Congregational, Baptist and Pentecostal churches follow this pattern.

Presbyterian churches follow a third model. Since the members of our congregations recognise that we belong to Jesus, we see ourselves as inherently connected and we expess that through a hierarchical structure where power rests in groups of elders meeting in “graded courts”. Congregations are governed by Sessions made up of elders appointed by and from their own membership. Churches within geographic regions are overseen by a Presbytery made up of ministers and elders appointed from the congregations in that region. To that is added a third level of government where ministers and elders are appointed to meet in “assemblies” with oversight over states. (Uniquely, the PCA has a fourth level of government, again made up of ministers and elders appointed from the churches in the several states of Australia. That body is the General Assembly of Australia. It holds supreme authority under Jesus over particular matters entrusted to it – principally its doctrine, worship, discipline, mission and the training and credentials of PCA ministers.

A distinct feature of the Presbyterian model is its approach to the issue of “church and state”, In Roman churches, the Pope claims authority over monarchs and earthly governments. In Anglicanism, the king claims authority over the church. Independent churches often don’t give much thought to the subject. And in secular society the state, at the same time, imposes its control over churches while insisting that churches (and people of faith, generally) have no right to speak into issues affecting civil society. Presbyterian churches, accept none of those approaches. We recognise that there is one and only one person whom God has appointed “both Lord and Christ”. To only one person did God give “all authority in heaven and on earth”. That person is Jesus. We believe that Jesus, personally, is the King over all kings” and that he is also the “king and head of the church”. We believe that he has distributed his authority in two areas. He has established: (i) civil authorities to watch over the civil affairs of all people subject to them; and (ii) church courts to guard and govern the church members as they submit themselves to the authority of their elders. In that way, Presbyterians operate thoughtfully as law-abiding citizens and congregations. At the same time, we claim the privilege of a parallel and distinct jurisdiction to speak to civil governors in ways that conform to the word of God. We do not believe that church and state must be kept apart and that faith has no place in civil society. That is as unrealistic as it is impossible. At the same time we do not believe that the church can usurp the role of the state, or the state usurp that of the churches. Each domain has its own sphere of responsibility so that, by mutual respect and patient interaction the good of all people might be advanced.

Ultimately, our understanding of this presbyterial system of church government is grounded in our faith and our trust in Jesus Christ. As we seek to follow His teachings and emulate His example, we can be confident that we are on the right path towards both personal fulfillment and effective governance.