Presbyterianism is the Biblical system of Church government, where ministers and ruling elders together oversee the affairs of the Church. They meet together in Church courts, which in the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland at this time are as follows:
1. The Kirk Session
At the local level, the Kirk Session looks after the affairs of each congregation. It consists of the minister and at least two ruling elders. If the congregation is without a minister, another minister from the Presbytery is appointed as interim moderator. If there are insufficient local elders, then assessor elders from other congregations are appointed. The Kirk Session is responsible for the spiritual affairs of the congregation, and in particular examines applicants for admission to or exclusion from the sealing ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. It administers ecclesiastical discipline where necessary.
2. The Presbytery
At a wider level, a number of congregations are grouped together geographically. Every minister and one representative elder from each Kirk Session sits on the Presbytery. The Presbytery acts as a court of appeal and review from the Kirk Sessions within its bounds. It is responsible for licensing and ordaining called men to the ministry of the gospel, for inducting ministers to pastoral charges within its bounds, and for discipline of ministers. There are four Presbyteries in the United Kingdom and two elsewhere, as follows:
- Northern
- Outer Isles
- Southern
- Western
- Zimbabwe
- Asia Pacific
3. The Synod
Currently this is the highest court in the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland. All the ministers and all the representative elders are members. Usually it meets annually in May, alternately in Glasgow and Inverness. It decides on cases submitted by Presbyteries. Its work between meetings is conducted by committees which it appoints itself.
4. Synod Committees
The Committees are not properly speaking Church courts. They conduct their business according to their respective remits from the Synod, and report annually to the Synod. After adoption by the Synod, these reports are printed in the annual Proceedings of Synod Together With Reports and Accounts.
The Standing Committees are:
- Church Interests
- Jewish and Foreign Missions
- Dominions and Overseas
- Training of the Ministry
- Religion and Morals
- Sabbath Observance
- Finance
- Welfare of Youth
- Publications and Bookroom
- Church Archives
- Outreach
- Website
- Ballifeary Care Home
- Leverburgh Care Home