Presbyterian Church of Ghana Structure

Structure of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana

• The Presbyterian Church of Ghana is a Presbyterian denomination with a Presbyterian polity.
• The church is governed by a hierarchical structure, with the following bodies:
  1. The General Assembly: The highest decision-making body of the church.
  2. The Synod: A regional governing body that oversees several presbyteries.
  3. The Presbytery: A local governing body that oversees several congregations.
  4. The Session: A local governing body that oversees a single congregation.

The General Assembly

• The General Assembly is composed of:
  • Elected members from each presbytery.
  • Ex-officio members, including the Moderator and the Clerk.
• The General Assembly meets biennially to:
  • Elect the Moderator and Clerk.
  • Approve the church's budget and policies.
  • Make decisions on matters affecting the entire church.

The Synod

• The Synod is composed of:
  • Elected members from each presbytery within the synod.
  • Ex-officio members, including the Synod Clerk.
• The Synod meets annually to:
  • Oversee the work of the presbyteries within the synod.
  • Make decisions on matters affecting the synod.

The Presbytery

• The Presbytery is composed of:
  • Ministers and elders from each congregation within the presbytery.
  • Ex-officio members, including the Presbytery Clerk.
• The Presbytery meets quarterly to:
  • Oversee the work of the congregations within the presbytery.
  • Make decisions on matters affecting the presbytery.

The Session

• The Session is composed of:
  • The minister of the congregation.
  • Elected elders from the congregation.
• The Session meets regularly to:
  • Oversee the work of the congregation.
  • Make decisions on matters affecting the congregation.

Ordination and Installation

• Ministers are ordained by the Presbytery.
• Elders are ordained by the Session.
• Ministers and elders are installed into their respective offices by the Presbytery or Session.

Church Courts

• The church has a system of courts to handle disputes and discipline.
• The courts are:
  1. The Session: The lowest court, handling matters within the congregation.
  2. The Presbytery: The intermediate court, handling matters within the presbytery.
  3. The Synod: The intermediate court, handling matters within the synod.
  4. The General Assembly: The highest court, handling matters affecting the entire church.

Doctrine and Practice

• The Presbyterian Church of Ghana adheres to the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Heidelberg Catechism.
• The church practices infant baptism and celebrates the Lord's Supper.
• The church has a strong emphasis on mission, evangelism, and social justice.