About the PCA General Assembly
Established in 1973 to remain “Faithful to the Scriptures, True to the Reformed Faith, and Obedient to the Great Commission,” the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) stands as the largest conservative Reformed denomination in the United States. The body of believers, comprising roughly 1,700 local churches and 400,000 members, affirms the centrality of the gospel of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. As a Reformed church, the PCA holds that the Bible is the sole guide for church practice and that salvation is secured solely by God’s mercy and according to His sovereign plan. The denomination’s doctrinal standards are encapsulated in historic confessions and catechisms that summarize biblical teaching.
The General Assembly serves as the highest gathering of the PCA, uniting churches and presbyteries in fellowship, mutual accountability, and shared purpose.
During the Assembly, church elders are reminded that their ministry is carried out together as members of the Body of Christ. The upcoming 52nd General Assembly is scheduled to take place in Chattanooga, Tennessee, from June 23 to 27, 2025.
The Connectional Nature of the Church
The everyday mission of the church—spreading the gospel, engaging in church planting, fostering worship and fellowship, and nurturing each member’s spiritual walk—unfolds in local congregations. Yet, the PCA is defined by its connectional structure, where every church is linked in a network of shared responsibilities and mutual support. This unity is organized in a series of hierarchical bodies composed of elders, also known as presbyters, the Greek term for “elders.”
- A local congregation is overseen by a session that includes elected ruling elders and its pastors, known as teaching elders.
- Local churches, represented by their ruling elders, combine with the teaching elders of a region to form a presbytery. The PCA is organized into many presbyteries nationwide.
- Annually, the denomination’s elders converge at a national gathering, the General Assembly. Every teaching elder and a select number of ruling elders from each congregation, referred to as “commissioners,” participate and vote on Assembly matters.
Understanding the General Assembly
The General Assembly functions as the supreme deliberative body of the PCA, addressing issues that impact the entire denomination. Over a course of one week, commissioners engage in in-depth study, discussion, and decision-making on topics of biblical and ministerial importance.
This body also works continuously through its various committees and agencies, which handle responsibilities ranging from world missions and church planting to education, benevolence efforts, and retirement benefits. These groups execute the policies established by the Assembly throughout the year.
At its core, the Assembly tackles subjects that affect the church as a whole.
An integral part of the Assembly’s framework is the Standing Judicial Commission (SJC), which serves as its judicial body. The SJC reviews cases in accordance with the church’s discipline rules. Specifically, any case must first be considered at the presbytery level before it can be escalated to the SJC, whose decisions are final in judicial matters.
Pathways to Bringing Business Forward
The agenda of the General Assembly is shaped largely by two avenues: proposals from committees and recommendations from presbyteries.
Committees composed of elders who attend the Assembly meet in advance of the full gathering. Each denomination committee or agency has its own group that reviews reports, looks over minutes and budgets, and then proposes recommendations for consideration.
In many cases, pressing issues are submitted by the presbyteries in the form of overtures—formal requests calling for action on specific topics. When an overture addresses the purpose or structure of a committee or agency, it is forwarded to that group for further review and recommendation. Most other overtures are handled by a dedicated committee that includes representation from every presbytery. This committee reviews the requests and advises the Assembly on how to proceed, culminating in discussion and voting on each proposal.
The Importance of the General Assembly
The decisions made at the General Assembly steer the PCA’s activities for the coming year while also influencing the denomination’s long-term direction. Here, key governance documents can be amended, responsibilities for committees and agencies are clarified, and the application of Scripture to matters of faith and ministry is robustly debated and determined.
- Constitutional amendments—such as revisions to the church’s governing order—are binding across the denomination.
- Judicial decisions rendered by the Standing Judicial Commission must be adhered to by all involved parties.
- Outcomes from reviews of presbytery operations have binding effects on the presbyteries concerned.
Other resolutions, like studies or statements on various issues, function as guidance. Although these recommendations offer insight and collective wisdom, they are intended as counsel rather than obligatory directives for congregations or individuals who interpret Scripture differently.
Unity in Purpose: Peace, Purity, and Mission
When the elders of the PCA assemble, their collective efforts touch every church and advance the denomination’s mission. Through the General Assembly, the commitment to maintaining spiritual purity, promoting peaceful fellowship, and fulfilling the church’s mission in the world is continually renewed and strengthened.
Rockin’ the faith, one verse at a time!
Growing up, the Bible’s stories deeply impacted me. Now, with over 15 years of preaching experience, I blend timeless teachings with modern technology, making them relevant for today’s world.
Bible Hub Verse is my platform to share historical insights and thought-provoking articles, exploring both familiar and uncommon Christian topics. My passion is building a welcoming online space for everyone to learn, grow in their faith, and discover the Bible’s enduring message.
Join the journey!
God bless you.
By