The General Assembly is the governing body of the whole church and the highest court of appeal in judicial matters. Each year, around 150 voting commissioners participate, including the moderator and stated clerk of the previous assembly, as well as ministers and elders commissioned by each presbyteries.
The 91st General Assembly is scheduled to be held at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois, starting at 7:00 PM (CDT) on Wed., June 4, and ending no later than noon on Tues., June 10.
GA is the highest governing body of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC), overseeing the entire denomination. While local churches are governed by sessions and regions by presbyteries, the GA functions as the supreme court of the church in judicial matters. It meets annually.
The term “General Assembly” comes from Hebrews 12:23 and is traditionally used in Presbyterian denominations. Some churches use the term “synod” for a similar body.
Funding comes from the GA Travel Fund and the GA Operation Fund, both of which are supported by contributions from local churches.
Around 150 commissioners—ministers and ruling elders—attend, elected by their presbyteries based on size.
Commissioners are not delegates acting on instructions. They are authorized to vote according to their own prayerful judgment, guided by Scripture.
The GA opens with a worship service, usually led by the previous year’s moderator, and includes the Lord’s Supper.
The GA advances the church’s worship, teaching, and witness, resolves doctrinal and disciplinary issues, oversees presbytery records, organizes regional churches, and supports mission work.
Delegates from churches with formal ties to the OPC may attend and address the Assembly, but they do not vote.
Yes—sessions are open to observers, unless an executive session is called for sensitive matters.
Members, sessions, and presbyteries can communicate with GA committees or submit overtures through proper channels.
You can read up on the history of our GA and find daily updated at OPC.org/GA.
*adapted from New Horizons, the official magazine of the OPC.
