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Presbyterian polity is a method of church governance typified by the rule of Assemblies of presbyters, or elders. Each local church is governed by a body of elected elders usually called the Session. Groups of local churches are governed by a higher assembly of elders known as the Presbytery; presbyteries can be grouped into a Synod, and synods nationwide often join together in a General Assembly. Specific roles in church services are reserved for an ordained minister or pastor known as a teaching elder, or a minister of the word and sacrament.