A form of church governance in which the leadership is composed of elected laypersons or elders. The term Presbyterian comes from the Greek word for elder. Elders are considered both elected and ordained, ordination meaning that they are set apart for service. Elders are still considered ordained even after they complete their elected term.

The group of elders that are elected by a specific congregation to govern that congregation is called the session. Groups of churches are governed by presbyteries, groups of presbyteries form synods and the General Assembly represents the whole denomination. Elders who serve on these bodies are also know as prebyters.

Information from the Presbyterian Church (USA) website. May differ slightly in other Presbyterian churches like the Presbyterian Church in America.