Definition terms
Types of Church Governance
Definition terms
Church-: “the church is the fellowship of those who are called by Christ’s Word and Spirit
into the unity of faith, hope and love.”
Governance-: Governance is the processes of interaction and decision-making among the
church members and the processes that affect the way in which power is exercised.
Church Governance-: church governance is the basis on which churches are organized and
operate
There is the 1. Episcopal (Hierarchical Governance) e.g. Roman Catholic and Anglican
churches. 2- Presbyterian (Elder-led/Representative) Governance. 3- Congregational
(Democratic/Autonomous) Governance. 4- Baptist both Congregationalist and some
Pentecostal. Hybrid/Mixed Models
Most newcomers ask questions like.
1. How finances managed?
2. Who can hold the lead pastor to account?
3. Is there a kids program?
4. What is the music like?
THE 5 MODELS OF THE CHURCH GOVERNANCE
NOTE:- There is no perfect model of church governance
1. CATHOLIC MODEL/The chain of accountability
Communications follows this channel… 1. Congregation to; 2. Parish Priest then; 3.
Bishop who then communicates to the; 5. Vatican through Nuncio (the ambassador
to the Pope). There is few opportunity for the congregation to be involved in church
governance to their church.
The Pope calls a Synod (a group of bishops and some representatives)
Only the Pope can investigate misconducts of bishops and not the dioceses.
a. Strengths.
1. Clergy is disciplined and follow chain of command
2. Stability throughout the organization.
b. Weaknesses.
1. Struggles to deal with corruption
2. Little involvement with leadership
3. Very limited partnership between men and women
2. MEGA-CHURCH MODEL(congregations accountable to senior pastor)
All powers resides with the CEO/PRESIDENT who is both chair of directors and in
most cases the founder of the church. Most roles are appointed and accountable to
the senior pastor.
c. Strengths.
1. The church is centralised power and founder controls things more quickly.
2. Church maintain a clear mission and has own flavour which is its
attraction.
d. Weaknesses.
1. Board is employed by senior pastor and has little say.
2. Cannot deal with corruption or abuse
3. Difficult to achieve change of leadership
3. ANGLICAN MODEL/ congregation accountable to Bishop
Anglican model divides responsibility between spiritual and temporal matters
- Senior Pastor/Minister/Vicar/Rector are responsible for spiritual matters. He is
ordained by the priest
- Warden are elected by the congregation annually to be responsible for property
and financial matters.
Most dioceses have independent professional standard bodies who investigate
corruptions and misconduct of bishops.
The ministry of the dioceses include theological education, missions, support
systems and schools.
e. Strengths.
1. Has local autonomy
2. Strong resilience and ability to harness moral standards.
3. Fellowship between men and women
f. Weaknesses.
1. Little uniformity across the country theology and practice. Varies from
perish and perish.
2. Need a minister who is will to listen to his congregation.
4. PRESBYTARIAN
Local churches are governed by a Session of Ministers or teaching elders. They meet
to form a presbytery. These oversee life and missions of a particular congregation in
that area including ordination and discipline.
g. Strengths.
1. Balanced autonomy
2. Accountability in every level structure from local church to national
assembly
3. Encourages corporate prayer and joint mission across the nation.
4. Ministers are ordained and accountable to local presbytery.
h. Weaknesses.
1. Minister may not be able to discipline or resolve conflicts.
2. Change is slower than Anglican.
3. Elders are ordained for life.
5. BAPTIST/ Congregationalist model
Each congregation is basically autonomous. The congregation calls its pastor for
teaching and direction and election of elders.
i. Strength.
1. High local autonomy
2. The consensus make decisions.
j. Weaknesses.
1. Pastor may be held responsible by vocal authority of members.
