Presbyterianism has contributed positively to global missions, revivalism, theological research and writing, and social concern for the poor, neglected, and marginalized. Its focus on doctrinal fidelity, confessional identity, and reverent worship has made it a marvelous home for millions of believers around the world.

It might seem strange—and even boring—to name a Christian denomination after a system of church government, but that is exactly what we have in Presbyterianism. Besides, the Episcopalians have done the same thing!

As a matter of fact, setting Presbyterianism beside Episcopalianism makes for an interesting contrast. Both groups are Protestant. Both have roots in the Reformation era (16th–17th cents.). And both have a common English/Scottish ancestry. The difference, however, can be found in the etymology of their Greek-derived names. Presbyterianism comes from the New Testament Greek word meaning “elder” (πρεσβύτερος), and Episcopalianism comes from the Greek word meaning “bishop” or “overseer” (ἐπίσκοπος).

So then, by definition, Presbyterian churches are those that are led and governed by a plurality of elders, who together comprise the session or the consistory of the church. These elders are often sub-categorized as ruling elders and teaching elders, the latter of which are usually known simply as pastors. Each local congregation, therefore, has a team of elders who lead and direct the church.

Importantly, local churches often cooperate in associations of geographically proximate churches called presbyteries. By contrast, traditional Episcopalian churches are directed by a singular bishop who has directive authority over a similarly geographic region of churches.

In the following article, we will discuss the biblical foundations, history, theology, and key practices of Presbyterian churches.

The Bible’s Foundations for Presbyterian Polity

Presbyterian churches assert that our system of church government deeply aligns with Scripture.

Going back to the Old Testament, Moses’s father-in-law, Jethro, instructed him to share his administrative authority with elders (Exod 18:1–26 ). And while Israel had been led at various times by judges, kings, prophets, and even warriors, the respect and esteem of tribal elders was intrinsic to her body politic.

In the New Testament, we see the Presbyterian system emerge organically out of Paul’s three missions to plant churches (Acts 13–21). Paul seems to have insisted that each local church be governed by a plurality of elders, as he personally ensured that the churches he founded be supplied by such godly and competent men (see a key text: Acts 14:23 ). As Paul delegated leadership to men like Timothy and Titus, he specifically instructed them to safeguard the authority of the local church to elders who were both faithful and able to lead (1 Tim 3:1–7 ; Titus 1:5–16 ).

Presbyterians are quick to point out that the terms “elders” and “bishops” used in the New Testament are synonymous, that is, used interchangeably (cf. Titus 1:5 and 7 ). Moreover, Presbyterians have usually viewed the office of deacon as distinct from the elders, with deacons holding a position of humble servanthood to care for the more practical matters of the church (Acts 6:1–6 ).

Acts 20, Titus 1, and 1 Peter 5 Use Elder, Overseer, and Pastor Interchangeably

While many modern churches hold a congregational form of government, recognizing the independence of local churches, Presbyterians have instead emphasized that our churches are to be connected in an organic and vibrant mutuality. Thus, Presbyterians point to the churches of the New Testament as sharing and receiving funding, ministers, letters, council, and other resources (Col 4:7–18 ; 2 Cor 9:1–5 ). For this reason, Presbyterian churches associate openly with proximate churches of like-minded conviction, meeting regularly for prayer, fellowship, ordination, and shared ministry or mission endeavors.

In a quintessential example of church cooperation, Presbyterians point out the Jerusalem Council of Acts 15 as a stellar moment in which the New Testament church:

1. faced a problem (Acts 15:1 ),
2. sent delegates (15:2),
3. discussed the matter (15:6–11),
4. consulted Scripture (15:13–17),
5. came to a shared conclusion (15:19–21), and
6. acted cooperatively (15:22–35).

Thus, Presbyterians have held that holding larger synods or general assembly gatherings, as necessary, is good and right for the church at large.

A Brief History of Presbyterianism

The Protestant manifestation of Presbyterian churches began to coalesce at the time of the Reformation under the instruction of several important theologians, including John Calvin (1509–1564) and John Knox (1514–1572).

From John Calvin to John Knox

Calvin, whose theology became definitive for the Swiss, Dutch, Belgic, and English Puritan churches, served as an invaluable Bible exegete and systematic theologian. His commentaries and his magisterial The Institutes of the Christian Religion are considered leading works in Reformation theology and biblical study.

However, it was his some-time student John Knox who was instrumental in the establishment of a truly Presbyterian system of church government (or polity) in Scotland. Knox’s efforts to bring the light and fire of Reformation preaching to Scotland is viewed as a high-watermark in the development of a distinctly Presbyterian ecclesiology. Here, we see the advent of what would become a hallmark arrangement of Presbyterian church government: local sessions, regional presbyteries, and larger, less frequent, and general assembly meetings.

The Covenanter Movement

Knox’s efforts would not go unchallenged, however. As national and international politics changed over the years—complicated by ever-changing monarchs across the kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland—certain kings attempted to usurp the power of the presbyteries by foisting their own prerogatives upon the church. These efforts resulted in Erastianism (the direct rule of kings over the church) or prelacy (the indirect rule of kings over the church, through regional bishops, who ostensibly did the king’s bidding).

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