Presbyterian church government is a system of ecclesiastical order that emphasizes the leadership of elders (presbyters) over the congregation, organized into graded courts or assemblies. While Congregational systems (like that of many Baptists) center government in the local body of believers, Presbyterian systems vest governing authority in councils of elders at the local, regional, and national levels.
The Presbyterian model of church government is built upon the conviction that the church is led by elders (presbyters) who hold authority in their office. According to the Westminster Confession of Faith Ch. 30 §1, the Lord Jesus has appointed a government in the hands of church officers, distinct from the civil magistrate. This government includes synods or councils for the better government and further edification of the Church (Westminster Confession of Faith Ch. 31 §1). The Belgic Confession Art. 30 further notes that the church is governed by a spiritual policy where pastors, elders, and deacons form the council of the Church to preserve religion and exercise discipline.
Regardless of whether one holds to a Presbyterian or Congregational (Baptist) view of polity, the ultimate goal of any church structure is the glory of Christ and the edification of His body. As the Apostle Paul writes, "And he gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-12). We are all deeply flawed sinners, yet we are accepted in Christ, whose authority is the true headship of the church. Whether through local congregational votes or broader presbyterial oversight, the church functions best when it points us back to the sufficiency of our Savior.