They are assisted by deacons who help take care of the poor, the sick in the congregation and other physical needs. At this level, the Presbyteri ans resemble the pattern revealed in the New Testament for the organization of local congregations. However, they have also developed a higher system of government that is foreign to the New Testament. These meetings, called presbyteries, discuss the needs of the various congregations and organize their work. The ordained ministers are not members of the local congregation where they work but are members of the presbytery.
Synods are their next level of organization.
These representatives of the presbyteries meet twice a year to discuss the affairs of the church over alarger area. The highest level of their organiza tion is the General Assembly. Once a year, every presbytery sends one minister and one elder to meet to discuss the work and policies for the church on a nation wide basis. The General Assembly does not have the authority to command local congregations to do certain things, but they do have influence on the actions of those represented. The General Assembly also controls the mission funds and pension funds for the denomina tion.