Polity
The Reformed Church has a presbyterian polity where authority is divided among representative bodies: consistories, classes, regional synods, and the General Synod. The General Synod meets annually and is the representative body of the entire Church, establishing its policies, programs, and agenda. The current President of the General Synod is the Rev. Tom Smith who was elected to a one-year term in 2012. Measures passed at General Synod are executed and overseen by the General Synod Council. Council members are appointed by the General Synod. A General Secretary oversees day to day operations. The Rev. Dr. Tom De Vries was installed as the current General Secretary at the 2011 General Synod.
The Constitution of the Reformed Church in America consists of three parts: the Liturgy, the Government, and the Doctrinal Standards. The Government, along with the Formularies and the By-laws of the General Synod are published annually in a volume known as The Book of Church Order.
Read more about this topic: Reformed Church In America