Thank you for this great summary of the Presbyterian structure. And honestly, like with every model, the advantages and disadvantages really do need to be weighed carefully. I agree that one of the common concerns is the level of bureaucracy and hierarchy, which can feel slow at times or even a bit disconnected from what’s happening in a specific local church. But at the same time, the accountability and support built into the system are incredibly valuable. That wider structure can create a strong, stable, and sustained environment for healthy church life, offering protection, shared wisdom, and long-term consistency that many independent settings struggle to maintain.
