BPC Form of Government

Our church sessions (local church body of government) are made up of teaching and ruling elders, with each having equal representation and vote.

Presbyteries consist of the particular churches within geographical areas across the United States and Canada. Churches are represented by their minister(s) and one ruling elder (more for larger churches) at each meeting. Presbytery meetings are held twice annually (or thrice annually by some presbyteries).

The General Synod meets annually in one of our churches. Representation includes all ordained ministers and a ruling elder from each church (more for larger churches) at each meeting. The synod meets near the beginning of August for its six day sessions. Families are often in attendance and visitors are encouraged to attend.

Each congregation calls its own pastor without interference from outside; i.e., ministers are not appointed and each church owns its own real estate and church building(s).

Form of Government Chapters