What is a Presbytery?

Dear brothers and sisters,

It is a joy to bring you news of the Presbytery of the Pines.  When I meet people in and around the presbytery, I am often asked the question, “What is a presbytery?” This is a great question and one I enjoy answering. 

The Book of Order states the following:

The presbytery is the council serving as a corporate expression of the church within a certain district and is composed of all the congregations and ministers of the Word and Sacrament within that district …. The presbytery is responsible for the government of the church throughout its district, and for assisting and supporting the witness of congregations to the sovereign activity of God in the world, so that all congregations become communities of faith, hope, love, and witness. G-3.0301

In short, the presbytery is not just one committee, or one group of people in leadership. The presbytery is, instead, the collective body of all of our congregations and ministers. When we meet for a presbytery meeting, with all of our churches represented, this is the presbytery. Our presbytery consists of just over 40 churches in South Arkansas and North Louisiana. We all work together to witness to the love and mercy of Jesus Christ in the world as it is reflected through the Presbyterian Church (USA). 

The Presbytery of the Pines is entering into a new season of reconnecting our congregations and members with one another. There are many ways we plan to accomplish this, and I hope you will find a place to participate in the connectional body of the presbytery. Throughout this newsletter you will find opportunities to engage with other Presbyterians and serve in the life-giving ministries of the Church. I am grateful to be a part of this community of faith with you.

Your sister in Christ,