"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine." — 1 Timothy 5:17
Our name tells our story: presbyteros is the New Testament word for elder. Presbyterians are governed not by bishops nor by congregational vote alone, but by assemblies of elected elders — minister (teaching elder) and ruling elders together — in a gradation of courts.
- The Kirk Session — the minister and ruling elders of the congregation, charged with spiritual oversight, discipline and worship.
- The Deacons’ Court — deacons caring for finance, property and the practical welfare of members.
- The Presbytery — ministers and representative elders of congregations within a district.
- Regional Councils & the General Assembly — the supreme court of PCEA, presided over by the Moderator, who serves for a term.
Elders and deacons are elected by communicant members and ordained for life — chosen for maturity, character and faith (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1). This ordered, shared government guards both unity and accountability — “let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).
See also: Acts 15; Titus 1:5-9; PCEA Practice & Procedure.