General Assembly Frequently Asked Questions
What is General Assembly?
General Assembly is an annual business meeting of the Presbyterian Church in America. Our pastors (Teaching Elders) and church leaders (Ruling Elders) gather to study, discuss, debate, and decide biblical and ministry issues. Visitors are welcome to observe the proceedings and may sit in the visitor’s section of the Assembly Hall.
Where will the 50th General Assembly be held in 2023?
In 2023, the 50th General Assembly will be held at the Renasant Convention Center, 255 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38103.
We have many special 50th celebration events planned throughout the year. Please visit pca50.org to learn more.
General Assembly is held in a different location each year.
Where can I find information about the 49th General Assembly?
Who may register?
BCO 14-2 specifies that all teaching elders in good standing with their Presbyteries may attend as commissioners. It also allows sessions to send two (2) ruling elder commissioners for the first 350 communicant members or fraction thereof, and one (1) additional ruling elder commissioner for each additional 500 communicant members or fraction thereof.
Can I attend General Assembly as a visitor?
Visitors are welcome to join us for worship, visit the exhibit hall, attend our seminars (if space is available), and observe the assembly proceedings from the visitor’s section. We ask that all visitors check-in at the onsite visitor registration booth and obtain a visitor’s name badge. A name badge is not necessary to join us for worship.
Can I volunteer at General Assembly!
We love our volunteers! You may volunteer to be a Floor Clerk, Worship Usher, Communion Elder, Tote Bag Helper, etc. Please go to: https://pcaga.org/resources/#volunteer for more information about volunteering your time for General Assembly!
When will I receive the General Assembly Information Book?
The General Assembly Information Book will be available after commissioner registration opens, containing:
- Hotel and travel information
- Schedule of events
- Women’s and family information
- List of local churches and worship information
After registration and payment are received and processed, a paper copy of the Information Book will be mailed out. If a church registers its commissioners – the information book may be sent to the church address rather than to the individual commissioner. If a church registers its commissioners as Unknown – the information booklet will be mailed out once the church provides the individual’s names.
An onsite edition of the Information Book will be provided at check-in containing:
- Updated Schedule of events
- Exhibit Hall information
- Seminar Information
- Local attractions and miscellaneous information
When will I have access to the Commissioner Handbook?
This item is available for you to download in the weeks prior to General Assembly. Login information for the 2023, 50th Commissioner Handbook will be sent to registered commissioners at least one month prior to General Assembly. If you do not receive yours, please email ac@pcanet.org.
Who will the Exhibit Hall include?
The Exhibit Hall will have representatives from denominational ministries, as well as many para-church ministries, educational institutions, and businesses. The exhibitors are available to provide information resources and assistance to commissioners, their families, and the public. The PCA Bookstore will also set up a large display and offer special discounts throughout the week. For other Exhibitor questions, contact us at events@pcanet.org.
Who may register as an exhibitor?
Organizations approved by the Administrative Committee Board may register to exhibit at General Assembly (see the New Exhibitor web page for details regarding approval). The Administrative Committee Board meets three times a year to consider organizations seeking approval. For other exhibitor questions, contact us at events@pcanet.org.
Can I host a food function at General Assembly?
Food functions are a great way to celebrate your ministry with your supporters, alumni, and friends! Food functions are also a wonderful tool to gather new contacts, make new relationships, and extend the reach of your organization. For more information about food functions and to reserve space for your event, please click on this link: https://pcaga.org/catering-information/
How do I receive hotel information?
Discounted hotel information is provided to all commissioners and exhibitors after their registration payment is received and processed. Hotel information will be available via a web link in the confirmation email, as well as via mail in the General Assembly Information Book.
Where can I find Study Committee Reports?
The Ad Interim Committee Report on Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault that has been prepared for the 49th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America is available HERE.
For PCA Studies & Reports, 1973 – 2021 please click HERE.
Get In Touch
PCA Administrative Committee
1700 North Brown Road
Suite 105
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
