Article 36 of the Church Order reads as follows: "The Classis has the same authority over the Consistory as the Synod has over the Classis." This idea of "authority over consistory" has often raised questions. Is this a valid point? What is the extent of this authority? Should a local church not have the right to accept or reject decisions made by a classis or synod?

What is a "classis" really? Briefly summarized, "In Reformed church polity a classis is an official assembly of those delegated by neighboring churches to discharge ecclesiastical affairs which could not be properly and effectively settled in the local congre­gation." And now for every thoughtful Reformed believer the questions soon begin to multiply.

This article is about the testing of decisions of the major assemblies. The author also discusses what it means that the decisions of synod are settled and binding, and the relation of synod and the local church.

This article is on Article 31 of the Church Order, discussing the structure of the Church federation and communication within this structure. 

This article is an overview of what a general synod entails. It discusses the purpose of a synod as well as the operations of a general synod.

This article is about the character of decisions by the major assemblies (synod, etc), ratification of decisions and the dangers of synodocracy and independentism.

This article is about the question whether individuals can address Synod (by way of a submission to the major assembly). The author also looks at appeals to broader assembles in general.

This article is guidelines for handling appeals by major church assemblies.

This article is about the admissibility of individuals to address synod, and how major assemblies must view submissions from individuals. This article is all about appeals to broader assemblies.

What authority does the major assemblies have over the consistories? This article speaks about church government.

This article is about justice in the church, and especially about justice in the process of church government. How do the assemblies treat appeals? Do they only look at procedures, or do they also think from a pastoral perspective? What is a good way to treat appeal cases in the church?

This article is about the agenda of major assemblies and new issues at synod. Procedures for proposals at a church meeting is also discussed.