The Presbyterian Church is organized in a system of governing bodies composed of presbyters, both elders and ministers. The offices of elder and deacon are open to both men and women and are nominated and elected by the congregation.

The Session is the governing body of the church. A board of elders, moderated by the minister, is responsible for the mission and government of the particular church.

The Presbytery is a corporate expression of the church consisting of all the churches in a geographic area. It has the authority to install ministers in a particular church and discipline clergy, as well as congregations. Most presbyteries have a full-time staff.

The Synod is made up of an equal number of lay and clergy delegates from the presbyteries in a larger geographical area. Synods are organized to encourage and facilitate regional ministries.

The General Assembly is the national ruling body of the Presbyterian Church. It meets once a year and is made up of an equal number of lay and clergy commissioners elected by the presbyteries. The General Assembly oversees the work of the many national agencies of the church, acts on petitions from presbyteries, establishes task forces, and proposes constitutional and doctrinal changes which must be ratified by the presbyteries.