Presbyterian (or presbyteral) polity is a method of
church governance typified by the rule of assemblies of
presbyters, or elders. Each local church is governed by a body of elected elders usually called the
session or
consistory, though other terms, such as
church board, may apply. Groups of local churches are governed by a higher assembly of elders known as the
presbytery or
classis; presbyteries can be grouped into a
synod, and Presbyteries, along with synods nationwide often join together in a
general assembly. Responsibility for conduct of church services is reserved to an ordained minister or pastor known as a
teaching elder, or a
minister of the word and sacrament.