Principles of Presbyterian Government

at Mason First Presbyterian Church

• The particular churches of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) wherever they are, taken collectively, constitute one church;
• This church shall be governed by presbyters (elders and ministers of the Word and Sacrament, traditionally called ruling and teaching elders);
• These presbyters shall come together in governing bodies (traditionally called judicatories or courts) in regular gradation;
• Presbyters are not simply to reflect the will of the people, but rather to seek together to find and represent the will of Christ;
• Decisions shall be reached in governing bodies by vote, following opportunity for discussion, and a majority shall govern;
• A higher governing body shall have the right of review and control over a lower one and shall have power to determine matters of controversy upon reference, complaint, or appeal;
• Presbyters are ordained only by the authority of a governing body;
• Ecclesiastical jurisdiction is a shared power, to be exercised jointly by presbyters gathered in governing bodies;
• Governing bodies possess whatever administrative authority is necessary to give effect to duties and powers assigned by the Constitution of the church.