How does Presbyterian church government differ from Congregational church government?

The primary difference between Presbyterian and Congregational church government lies in the locus of authority and the structure of oversight.

Presbyterian Polity

Presbyterian government is characterized by a representative, hierarchical structure based on the belief that church authority is distributed among elected officers.
* Representative Governance: The church is governed by assemblies of pastors and elders (presbyters) chosen by the congregation.1
* Superstructure: Authority is organized through a series of courts: the congregational session, the presbytery, the synod, and the General Assembly.1
* Interdependence: Individual congregations are not autonomous; they are subject to the authority of the presbytery, which oversees the installation of ministers and serves as a court of appeal.1

Congregational Polity

Congregationalism emphasizes the spiritual autonomy and self-determination of the individual congregation.23
* Local Autonomy: Each congregation has the right to order its own life, including teaching, worship, and administration, without interference from outside bodies.3
* Direct Participation: Members exercise their rights through regular church meetings, where they make decisions regarding the admission of members and the election of officers.2
* Associations: While Congregational churches may form associations or unions, these bodies lack formal authority over independent churches, serving instead as cooperative networks.23