Overview of the Presbyterian Church in America
Founded in 1973, the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) pledges to remain “Faithful to the Scriptures, True to the Reformed Faith, and Obedient to the Great Commission.” Today, it stands as the largest conservative Reformed denomination in the United States. The PCA is committed to proclaiming salvation by faith in Jesus Christ and maintains that Scripture is the sole guide for the church, with salvation granted solely by God’s mercy and sovereign plan. Its doctrinal system is succinctly expressed through the Westminster Confession of Faith along with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
The highest governing body, known as the General Assembly, forges unity, peace, and mutual support among all PCA churches and presbyteries. When PCA elders convene at this Assembly, they are reminded that their work is a collective effort undertaken as the body of Christ. The 52nd General Assembly is scheduled to be held in Chattanooga, Tennessee, from June 23 to June 27, 2025.
Connectional Church
The day-to-day mission of sharing the gospel through worship, fellowship, and community life happens in local congregations. Yet, the PCA functions as a connectional church, where every local church exists within a network of mutual support. This structured fellowship is evident in a series of organized bodies comprising elders, referred to as presbyters, a term derived from the Greek for “elders.”
Local churches are led by a session consisting of ruling elders—elected by the congregation—together with pastors, who serve as teaching elders. Churches in a given region, represented by their ruling elders and ministers, form what is known as a presbytery. The PCA encompasses a wide network of such presbyteries. Additionally, PCA elders meet each year at a national General Assembly where teaching elders and selected ruling elders, known as “commissioners,” gather to deliberate and vote on key matters.
Understanding the General Assembly
The General Assembly is the PCA’s supreme governing body, gathering for a week-long session in which commissioners study, discuss, and decide on vital theological and administrative issues that affect the entire church. Beyond this annual meeting, the Assembly’s work extends throughout the year through its various committees and agencies. These groups oversee areas such as world missions, church planting, discipleship, education, benevolence, and retirement benefits, carrying out the policies established by the Assembly.
The Assembly also includes a Standing Judicial Commission (SJC), which functions as its judicial court. The SJC has authority over matters concerning the PCA’s disciplinary rules. Typically, a case is first reviewed at the presbytery level before being considered by the SJC, whose rulings stand as the final judicial decision for the denomination.
How Business Reaches the General Assembly
Most issues presented to the General Assembly arrive through two primary channels: committees of commissioners (CoCs) and the presbyteries. Prior to the main Assembly meeting, CoCs, representing each committee and agency, review reports, minutes, and budgets. They then offer recommendations concerning the work and responsibilities of their respective groups.
In addition, presbyteries play a significant role by forwarding formal requests known as overtures to the Assembly. These overtures, which address specific concerns or suggest changes regarding the functions of committees and agencies, are typically reviewed by a designated Overtures Committee. This committee, comprised of one teaching elder and one ruling elder from every presbytery, formulates recommendations for the entire Assembly to discuss and vote upon.
The Significance of the Assembly
The decisions made at the General Assembly have a profound impact on the life and work of the PCA, both in the upcoming year and for the denomination’s long-term direction. At this gathering, important issues such as amendments to the governing Book of Church Order are debated, and policies affecting committees and agencies are established. Additionally, the Assembly reflects on how Scripture should be applied to contemporary matters of faith and ministry.
Certain actions of the Assembly carry binding effect on PCA churches. For example, constitutional modifications to the Book of Church Order, judicial rulings by the SJC, and outcomes from presbytery reviews are obligatory. Simultaneously, studies and statements issued by the Assembly serve as valued guidelines and are intended to be thoughtfully considered, even though they are not mandates upon individual consciences or local church sessions.
Preserving Peace, Purity, and Mission
As elders converge for the General Assembly, their collective deliberations influence every church within the denomination. This vital assembly plays a key role in upholding and advancing the PCA’s commitments to spiritual purity, communal peace, and a focused mission.
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