FORMS OF CHURCH POLITY
i. Episcopal Polity
Episcopal is derived from the Greek word “Episcopos”, commonly translated in English
as “Bishop” or “Overseer”
This form of church governance is under the control of bishops, elected, selected, or
chosen for a life or a stated term
Church under Episcopal operate under the authority of the bishops
It is often monarchical or hierarchical form of church government where authority is
from the bishops to the congregation
The jurisdiction of a bishop is called a “diocese”
Examples of Episcopal governed churches include : The Roman Catholic Church, Eastern
Orthodox, Anglican churches, Methodist church, some Lutheran churches
In catholic, Pope of the Roman Catholic Church is regarded as the supreme bishop of the
church with the strongest authority
This form of church governance sees the Bishops as the successors of the twelve apostles
because the authority of the church is conferred on them.
It often referred to as top-down system of church government.
Churches under Episcopal also have some variations in their operation only the
appointment of office of Bishop grouped them under Episcopal.
(Any 5 Points = 5 Marks)
Presbyterian Polity
The Presbyterian church is also known as the church governed by the representatives,
elders chosen by the congregations;
Presbyterian church polity rest upon three major principles:
- The parity (the state of being equal) of presbyters
- The right of the people through their representatives or lay leaders to take part in the
church government of the church
- The unity of the church.
Each group of elder from several local churches in a given geographical region is also a
member of a presbytery, a body having authority over several churches
Some members in each presbytery are also chosen as members of the body overseeing the
entire denominational body.
There are two types of elders: ruling and teaching
Ruling elders provide leadership by setting policy and overseeing various church
ministries
Preaching elders preach and teach in the church
The power in the Presbyterian system is to be exercised by the elected or chosen leaders
rather than individuals
This system of church Polity is said to be plurality in nature
The advocate of this system believe it is less likely that a group of elders will fall into
error than individuals
Ex. 4: 29, Joshua 23, 24 is also representation system, 1 Sam 8:4
Congregational Polity
It is that form of church governance that gives authority to members to govern
themselves.
The final decision-making authority resides in the congregation’s hand
The congregation is referred to as highest decision making body
Every member has a voice in decision making
It embraces the principle of autonomy of a local church
Autonomy implies a local church is self-governing and self-financing
It is democratic in nature
This democracy some prefer to call it Christocracy, some Theo-democracy and other
pneumatolacracy – which means the government of the spirit working through his people
Christocracy – Members governs themselves as feel led by Christ
Theo-democracy carries the idea that a community is governed by it members according
to the revealed will of the deity or supreme being (God)
Other preferred the term congregational democracy.
BASIC MINISTRY PROGRAMMES OF A LOCAL BAPTIST CHURCH
a. Pastoral Ministry
The first responsibility is to lead the church in the accomplishment of its mission.
Proclaim the gospel to believers and unbelievers.
Care for the church members and other person in the community.
Interpret and undergird the work of the church denomination.
b. Educational Ministry
Reach persons for Bible study
Teach the Bible
Witness to persons about Christ and lead person into church membership
Minister to Sunday school members and non-members
c. Church Training (Discipleship Lifestyle)
Equipping church members for discipleship and personal ministry
Teach Christian theology and Baptist doctrines, Christians ethics, church polity and
organization.
Equip church leaders for service
Interpret and undergird the work of the church denomination.
d. Women’s Missionary Union
Teach missions.
Engage in mission and personal witnessing
Support missions
Taking care of their auxiliaries like sunbeam, Girls Auxiliary, Lydia
e. Music Ministry
Provide musical experience in congregational service.
Develop musical skills among church members.
Witness and minister through music.
Interpret and undergird the work of the church denomination.
