Form of Government
Questions and answers on how we are governed.
How is your church governed?
The Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) is a Presbyterian denomination and is governed by ministers and elders meeting in church courts which are structured as follows:
Kirk Session: This court oversees the local congregation and consists of the minister and the elders of the congregation.
Presbytery: This court oversees the congregations in a particular area and consists of all the ministers of the congregations within its bounds and a representative elder from each of the congregations.
Synod: This court oversees the presbyteries in a particular area and consists of all the ministers and elders of the presbyteries within its bounds.
General Assembly: This court oversees the whole church and consists of all the ministers and elders of all the presbyteries.
How often do these church courts meet?
Kirk Sessions and Presbyteries meet as often as required. Synods and the General Assembly normally meet once a year.
Where can I learn more about the government of your church?
The government of our church is regulated by a document known as the ‘Form of Presbyterial Church-Government’ which is given below. This document gives detailed information on the government of the church and how it is derived from Scripture. Click here to read the document.
