Seeking Commissioners and Delegates
Serving at General Assembly
You are encouraged to consider serving as a Teaching or Ruling Elder Commissioner or Young Adult Advisory Delegate for the 226th General Assembly of the PC(USA). This coming General Assembly (GA) will be a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and online components. Virtual introductory gatherings and training sessions will be held in April and June, with Committees meeting virtually from June 25-27, 2024. All participants will then travel to Salt Lake City, UT, for in-person plenary sessions June 29-July 4, 2024.
The Work of Commissioners and Advisory Delegates
Serving as a Commissioner or Advisory Delegate to GA is a fantastic way to gain perspective on what God is doing beyond the bounds of our local churches and Presbytery. It is inspiring to be a part of the historic decisions of the church and feel the Spirit moving; and even in those places where we might disagree with the actions of the Assembly, it is good to gain understanding about where we may lovingly differ. GA is a wonderful reminder that the PC(USA) is more diverse than we are as a Presbytery, and it is evidence that God is moving in new and different ways all around the country and the world.
Each Commissioner and Advisory Delegate is randomly assigned to a committee, where they will have voice and vote. The responsibilities of each committee vary as business is delegated. Committee members are expected to become familiar with the business coming before them prior to meeting, and all information is available online at PCBiz. Currently, the site contains business from previous Assemblies.
Following committee work, Commissioners and Advisory Delegates participate in the Plenary (Assembly- wide) Sessions in-person in Salt Lake City. This is considered “the floor of GA,” where the Assembly acts on the recommendations of each Committee. Commissioners have voice and vote; Advisory Delegates have voice only, but are polled for their opinion before the official vote is taken.
Representation by Beaver-Butler Presbytery
The number of eligible commissioners from each Presbytery is determined by its membership rolls, and Beaver-Butler can send one Teaching Elder Commissioner, one Ruling Elder Commissioner, and one Young Adult Advisory Delegate between the ages of 18 and 23 on the day the assembly convenes. Alternates are also selected to serve in the event that one of the elected commissioners cannot participate.
Process for Nomination
If you feel called to apply, please express your by emailing the Presbytery Office. Applications are due by September 30, 2023. The Nomination Task Force will then review the applications and contact interested parties for interviews, if needed, or to inform candidates of their nomination. The Presbytery will approve the slate of candidates at the November 14, 2023 meeting.
Download the Procedure for Nominating and Election Guidelines and Application…
Please prayerfully consider whether God is calling you, or someone from your church, to serve as Commissioner or Advisory Delegate to the 226th General Assembly.
The Rev. Leigh Benish, Ruling Elder Judy Lipsack and Ruling Elder Allen Kitchen serve on the General Assembly Nomination Task Force
