The Form of Government, Chapter XIV, C, defines a committee as a body appointed to study matters committed to it and to recommend appropriate action and carry into effect specific directives or decisions made by the appointing court.

Committees shall perform designated work according to specific instructions of the appointing court. All recommendations of committees require action by the appointing court. All committees shall make written reports to the appointing court.

The Form of Government classifies committees as follows:

Moderator's Committees: These are temporary committees appointed by the moderator to serve at his pleasure. These committees function only during the meeting of Synod. A moderator's committee shall be appointed to consider reports to fulfil the requirements as set forth in Chapter XII,B.2(e), and to consider other matters referred to it by the court. Moderator's committees shall be appointed to consider reports of the boards of Synod and memorials of presbyteries. Other moderator's committees may be appointed at the discretion of the Moderator, subject to the confirmation of the court.

Special Committees: These committees are appointed whenever the work of the court requires it. These committees may be appointed by the Moderator or the Committee on Nominations whenever authorized by the court.

Standing Committees: These are permanent committees appointed by the court to study and implement specific orders of the court. The General Synod has appointed the following standing committees:

Committee on Inter-Church Relations
Committee on Investment [Synod, 2005]
Committee on Lay Ministry
Committee on Minister and His Work
Committee on Nominations
Committee on Theological and Social Concerns
Committee on Worship

The following is a description of the authorities and duties of the standing committees appointed by the General Synod.