Introduction to Polity
Ecclesial Structure and Accountability
About this course
This course introduces students to the polity of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as a living system that shapes the life, governance, and ministry of the church. Grounded in the Book of Order, the course explores how authority, accountability, and shared leadership function within sessions, presbyteries, synods, and the General Assembly.
Emphasis is placed on understanding polity not merely as rules to be followed, but as a theological framework that supports ordered ministry, faithful discernment, and the church’s witness in the world. The course equips Commissioned Ruling Elders to navigate church structures with confidence, clarity, and pastoral wisdom in local and presbytery contexts.
Course objectives
- Describe the theological foundations of Presbyterian polity and its grounding in Reformed theology.
- Navigate the structure and purpose of the Book of Order, with particular attention to governance, leadership roles, and accountability.
- Explain the respective responsibilities and relationships of sessions, presbyteries, synods, and the General Assembly.
- Apply principles of PC(USA) polity to common ministry situations, including decision-making, conflict, and boundary-setting.
- Interpret polity as a tool for discernment and shared leadership rather than mere procedural compliance, including the importance of consensus building.
- Demonstrate functional competence in Presbyterian governance appropriate to commissioned ministry.
- Teach a simple lesson to others about the Foundations.
- Reference the Worship section to teach others about our theology of Worship.
Who may participate?
All church leaders unless a prerequisite or a particular offering states otherwise.