Presbytery: meaning, definitions and examples

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presbytery

 

[ ˈprɛz.bɪ.təri ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious office

Presbytery refers to the governing body of elders in a Presbyterian church. It typically consists of teaching and ruling elders from multiple congregations who are responsible for the oversight of the church's mission and ministry. The presbytery plays a vital role in making decisions regarding faith and practice, and it helps to maintain the unity and discipline within the church. It is also involved in the ordination of ministers. Members of the presbytery meet regularly to discuss church matters and to support local congregations.

Synonyms

church council, eldership, governing body

Examples of usage

  • The presbytery met to discuss the new church policies.
  • She was appointed to serve on the local presbytery.
  • The presbytery helps coordinate mission efforts across the region.

Translations

Translations of the word "presbytery" in other languages:

🇵🇹 presbitério

🇮🇳 प्रेस्बिटरी

🇩🇪 Presbyterium

🇮🇩 presbiterium

🇺🇦 пресвітерій

🇵🇱 presbiterium

🇯🇵 長老会

🇫🇷 presbytère

🇪🇸 presbiterio

🇹🇷 presbiteryum

🇰🇷 장로회

🇸🇦 مجلس الشيوخ

🇨🇿 presbyterium

🇸🇰 presbyterium

🇨🇳 长老会

🇸🇮 presbiterij

🇮🇸 prestur

🇰🇿 пресвитерий

🇬🇪 პრესბიტერია

🇦🇿 presbiterium

🇲🇽 presbiterio

Word origin

The term 'presbytery' originates from the Greek word 'presbyteros', which means 'elder'. This term was used early in the church to designate a body of leaders who were responsible for overseeing the spiritual and administrative matters of a congregation. As the Christian church evolved, the structure of leadership became more formalized, leading to the development of different governance models. In the Reformation period, reformers like John Calvin emphasized the role of elders, which solidified the presbytery's role within Presbyterian denominations. Over time, presbyteries became an essential aspect of church governance, ensuring that congregations were connected and maintaining a collective oversight.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,631, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.