---
title: "What does “Presbyterian” mean?"
description: "The word comes from the biblical term for elder. Presbyterian churches are governed by elders who shepherd the congregation under Christ and His Word.In Presbyterian"
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/learn/what-is-presbyterian/"
---

EXPLORE THE FAITH

# What does “Presbyterian” mean?

An introduction to our beliefs and church life.

The word comes from the biblical term for elder. Presbyterian churches are governed by elders who shepherd the congregation under Christ and His Word.

In Presbyterian church government, local congregations are connected through wider assemblies of elders. This provides shared care and accountability beyond one congregation.

Read [Acts 14:23](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/acts/14/23) and [1 Peter 5:1–4](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1-peter/5/1-4).

[Meet our church leadership](https://ctkrp.org/about/)[Explore the faith](https://ctkrp.org/learn/)

## Related reading

- [Church membership and life together](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/church-membership/)
- [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-25-church/)
- [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 62: What is the visible Church?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-62-what-is-the-visible-church/)
- [Directory for Church Government](https://ctkrp.org/church-government/)
- [Find teaching on church](https://ctkrp.org/sermons/?q=church)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/learn/what-is-presbyterian/