Our structure

Its structure reflects the Church's presbyterian tradition, where ministers, elders and members share in decision-making through local, regional and national church courts. This page explains how those parts fit together, how decisions are made, and where to find more information about the people and bodies involved in the life and work of the Church.

At a glance

• Congregations are local communities of worship, service and mission.
• Kirk sessions oversee the life and work of local congregations.
• Presbyteries support and oversee congregations within a regional area.
• The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the Church of Scotland.
• National committees, forums, departments and staff support the Church's wider work.

How the Church is governed

The Church of Scotland is presbyterian in its structure. This means that decision-making is shared through church courts made up of ministers, elders and other representatives, rather than resting with one person or office.

The Church does not have one person who acts as its head of faith. It acknowledges the Lord God as its head, and its supreme rule of faith and life is found in the teachings of the Bible.

This structure shapes how decisions are made locally, regionally and nationally. The main church courts are:

• The kirk session, which serves a local congregation.
• The presbytery, which supports and oversees congregations within a regional area.
• The General Assembly, which is the highest decision-making body of the Church of Scotland.

Local: congregations and kirk sessions

Congregations are at the heart of the Church of Scotland. They are local communities where people gather for worship, prayer, pastoral care, service and mission.

Each congregation is usually led by a minister, working with elders who serve on the kirk session. The kirk session is responsible for the spiritual life and local leadership of the congregation. Its work may include worship, pastoral care, membership, mission, safeguarding, local outreach and the use of church buildings.

In many places, congregations also work closely with neighbouring churches, local charities, schools and community groups.

Regional: presbyteries

A presbytery is a regional grouping of Church of Scotland congregations. Presbyteries support local churches and help oversee a range of church matters, administration and enquiries within their area.

Presbyteries work with congregations on matters such as ministry, mission planning, property, finance, governance and pastoral support. They also play an important role in supporting ministers, elders and congregational office bearers.

Each presbytery has a Presbytery Clerk, who helps manage presbytery business and provides guidance on church procedures and administration.

National: the General Assembly

The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the Church of Scotland. It usually meets once a year and brings together ministers, elders, deacons and other representatives from across the Church.

The General Assembly considers reports, debates important issues, agrees policy and makes decisions that affect the life and work of the Church. It also receives reports from national bodies, committees and groups working on areas such as mission, ministry, social care, education, finance, ecumenical relations and public life.

The Moderator of the General Assembly is chosen each year to chair the Assembly and represent the Church during their year in office.

National bodies and staff

The work of the Church of Scotland is also supported by national departments, trusts, committees and staff teams. These bodies help carry forward the decisions of the General Assembly and support congregations, presbyteries and the wider Church.

Their work includes areas such as ministry, mission, safeguarding, finance, law, communications, faith action, social care, education and support for congregations. National staff work alongside ministers, elders, volunteers and office bearers across the Church, providing advice, resources and practical support.

The Kirk and the State

The Church of Scotland is sometimes known as the Kirk. It is recognised as the national Church in Scotland, but it is not controlled by the State.

The Church's relationship with the State is set out in the Articles Declaratory, which are recognised in law. These affirm the Church's spiritual independence and its right to govern its own life and work.

This means the Church of Scotland has a distinctive place in Scottish life, while remaining responsible for its own worship, doctrine, governance and mission.

Our Church law pages include more information, including the acts and regulations of the General Assembly since 1929.

Finding the right contact

If you are looking for a local church, use our Church Finder to search for congregations by place name or postcode. Congregation profile pages include local contact details where available.

If your enquiry relates to a regional church matter, you may need to contact a presbytery. The presbytery contacts page lists Presbytery Clerks and alternative contacts across the Church of Scotland.

For national enquiries, please use the contact information provided on the relevant department or subject page. This helps make sure your enquiry reaches the right team.