The Reformed Church in America belongs to the worldwide family of Christian churches that are presbyterian in their form of government. The presbyterian system stands between the episcopal form of government, where a good deal of authority is invested in the bishops, and the congregational form, which gives considerable self-rule to the local congregation. The presbyterian system combines much of what is best from both systems. Elders receive new members, plan and participate in the observance of the sacraments, and are responsible for the spiritual life of the congregation. Deacons take care of the benevolence programs and lead the church in ministries of mercy, outreach, and service.
RCA government is representative, with parallels to civil government in the U.S. and Canada.
But a crucial difference is that elders and deacons are accountable first to Jesus Christ. Both are required for ordained leadership. In constitutionally defined matters, the local congregation is accountable to a higher assembly called a classis. The classis is made up of elder delegates and pastors from churches in a given area. A number of classes together form a regional synod.