GA Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is General Assembly?

General Assembly is an annual business meeting of the Presbyterian Church in America. The denomination’s pastors (teaching elders) and church leaders (ruling elders) gather to study, discuss, debate, and decide biblical and ministry issues. Visitors are welcome to observe the proceedings and may sit in the visitors’ section of the Assembly Hall.

Who may register as a commissioner?

Commissioners are all teaching elders in good standing with their Presbyteries and ruling elders as elected by their Session. Each congregation is entitled to two ruling elder representatives for the first 350 members, and one additional ruling elder for each additional 500 members.

General Assembly Information Booklet

The General Assembly Information Booklet (published and mailed by the Host Committee) will be available in late-January and contains hotel and travel information, a master schedule, women’s and family registration, and worship information. After registration and payment are received and processed, a paper copy of the Information Booklet should be received within three weeks.

If a church registers its commissioners - the information booklet may be sent to the church address rather than to the individual commissioner.
If a church registers its commissioners as Unknown - the information booklet will be mailed out once the church provides the individual's names.

The Commissioner Handbook

This will be available to registered commissioners for download from www.pcaganet.org. To access the Handbook you will need the login and password provided in an email sent on May 7, or after May 7 in your commissioner confirmation email.

Exhibit Hall

The Exhibit Hall will have representatives from the denominational ministries and many para-church ministries, educational institutions, and businesses. The exhibitors are available to provide information and assistance to commissioners, their families, and the public. The PCA Bookstore sets up a large display and offers special discounts throughout the week.

Who may register as an exhibitor?

Organizations approved by the Administrative Committee Board may register to exhibit at the General Assembly (see New Exhibitor Web page for details). The Administrative Committee Board meets three times a year to consider organizations seeking approval.

Hotels

The hotel information will be provided to all commissioners and exhibitors once their registration payment is received and processed.

Hotel information will be available via a web link in the confirmation email as well as via mail in the General Assembly Information Booklet.