You asked,
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By a voting assembly composed of adults males? Once elected, can they be removed by the congregation?

2. Is the Presbytery body elected for fixed terms or for life, like bishops?

3.& 4. I've heard that courts only recognize two systems: episcopal and congregational. If true, how church documents are written would probably determine the legal authority and power of the Presbytery.

5. From what you have written, it seems that Presbyterianism shares some features of both episcopal (hierarchy) and congregational (voters' assembly) systems and is somewhat flexible in adapting to changing circumstances while remaining scripturally based.

My chief concern would be removal from the teaching office by the Presbytery body without consultation/approval by the local congregation. It seems to me only the congregation can remove the man whom it has placed in the teaching office.

1) Although there are some disagreements, most if not all Presbyterian denominations allow for all communing members to vote for churh officers.

I do not have access to the BCO now, I would think there is a system for a local congregation to remove their Pastor or Elders. The system would include the Session and Presbytery, just not the congregation action alone.

2) I don't know of anyone in the Presbyterian system that is voted for life. Normally, in the local Session there is a rotation time of service for the an office (Ruling Elders and Deacons). It is not unusual for the officer to be re-elected. The Pastor(s) do not go through this process. He is only called onced. The Presbytery is made up of Teaching Elders (Pasters)and Ruling Elders within the Presbyteray boundary. Although each church normally has only a certain amount of voting Elders. There is a General Assembly above the Presbytery that meets annually. The Moderator is voted for a 1-year term. Then there are special courts (committees) under the authority of the GA.

3&4) Don't know.

5) In the Presbyterian system, there is only a few events where the Congregation votes. The ones that I can remember are the calling of the Pastor and issues regarding the church property. The congregation does not vote on budgets, membersship, etc.

Last edited by John_C; Thu Apr 14, 2005 7:52 AM.
John Chaney

"having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith . . ." Colossians 2:7