Committees & Commissions Overview
What are committees and commissions?
Since the “councils” of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have the power to designate both committees and commissions, it’s important to first understand what a council is. “Council” is the generic or collective word for the governing bodies of the PC(USA), namely sessions, presbyteries and synods (mid councils), and the General Assembly.
Councils may appoint committees and commissions they find necessary and helpful to accomplish the mission of the church. A committee studies and recommends action to the council that formed it or carries out decisions already made by that council. A committee is required to make a full report to the council that created it, with its recommendations subject to approval by that council. Committees beyond the congregation’s session level are made up of ministers of the Word and Sacrament (teaching elders) and church members, as equally as possible.
Each congregation is governed by a session, which is made up of elders elected by the congregation, plus all the installed pastors on the staff. The session is responsible for all decisions regarding the program and policies of its congregation, except for the two powers reserved for the congregation: the election of officers, including the pastoral staff, and the buying, selling, and/or mortgaging of church property.
The session is composed of elders elected for specific terms of service as well as the installed pastor(s) and associate pastor(s). It is presided over by the moderator, who is the pastor or a minister member of the presbytery when the pastor is not available.
General Assembly committees and commissions operate at the highest level of the PC(USA). According to the Book of Order, the General Assembly, like any council of the church, shall designate any committee or commission “as they deem necessary and helpful for the accomplishment of the mission of the church, and may create such structures jointly with other councils, in consultation with the next higher council. In appointing such committees and commissions councils shall be mindful of the principles of unity in diversity consistent with the provisions of this Constitution.”
GA Committees, Commissions, and Other Groups
What are GA committees, commissions, task forces, and boards?
At the General Assembly level, there are several different types of committees and commissions that function in different ways.
These committees and commissions operate during and between meetings of the General Assembly. They are distinct from the committees that discern and vote on overtures and other actions during the General Assembly but prior to plenary sessions.
Note: Committees and other processes staffed by the Unified Interim Agency that fall under the current Organization for Mission may take a different form as unification proceeds. Since it is likely significant parts of the structure will be impacted by unification, applicants for open positions should know that classes ending in 2028 and 2030 may not be completed and/or their roles may be significantly modified.
Groups Overview
General Assembly Nominating Committee
Learn about opportunities to serve on GA committees, commissions, and other groups.
GA NOminating committee
Open Meeting Policy
As approved by the 209th General Assembly (1997) and amended by the 218th General Assembly (2008), the Open Meeting Policy applies to the General Assembly and its related entities and work groups.