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 51st General Assembly be held in 2024?

In 2024, the 51st General Assembly will be held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N 3rd St, Richmond, VA 23219

General Assembly is held in a different location each year.

Where can I find information about the 50th General Assembly?

• 50th General Assembly Actions and Follow-Up (including summaries, pictures, videos and additional links)
• Seminars
• Exhibitors

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). 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.

How can I volunteer at General Assembly!

We love our volunteers – and there are countless ways to get involved!  Both the local host committee and the GA office need helpful people of all ages and stages to make General Assembly work!  For a full list of opportunities to serve, visit: pcaga.org/resources/#volunteer

How does my presbytery host General Assembly?

There are a lot of factors when determining a host city for General Assembly, but you’ve made the first step!  If you or your presbytery is interested in hosting the General Assembly, please let us know!  Email events@pcanet.org and we’ll work with you to determine how you might be a great fit to host a future General Assembly!

What does my city need to host General Assembly? 

We are so excited you’re interested in hosting General Assembly!  A city needs a lot of different aspects to successfully host a General Assembly – enough hotel rooms, meeting space, and available dates, and the presbytery needs enough local PCA churches with volunteers to populate a Host Committee and funds to cover hosting expenses.  To find out more about hosting General Assembly, please reach out to us at events@pcanet.org.  We believe hosting General Assembly brings great benefit to the local presbytery and would love to discuss bringing General Assembly to your area!

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 2024 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?

All PCA Study Committee Reports may be found at the PCA Historical Center. Please click HERE.