what are the four types of church government

Church Government

• Episcopacy In this system the chief ministers of the church are bishops. Other ministers are presbyters (or priests) and deacons. ...
• Presbyterianism This system emphasizes the importance of elders, or presbyters. Its adherents do not usually hold that this polity is the only one in the NT. ...
• Congregationalism As the name implies, this puts the emphasis on the place of the congregation. ...
• Conclusion ...

Full Answer

What type of government does the church have?

What are the four types of church government? Though each church or denomination has its own characteristic structure, there are four general types of polity : episcopal, connexional, presbyterian, and congregational.

What are the main four types of government?

• Monarchy. - is probably the oldest form of government.
• Republic. - is a simple government without a king or queen.
• Democracy. - government authority is based on the will of the people.
• Dictatorship.
• Totalitarian Systems.
• Theocracy.

What is the role of the church in government?

the church teaches, in gaudiem et spes, that it is the government's responsibility in a healthy nation to make available to all people "everything necessary for leading a life truly human, such as...

What form of government do Protestant churches have?

presbyterian, form of church government developed by Swiss and Rhineland Reformers during the 16th-century Protestant Reformation and used with variations by Reformed and Presbyterian churches throughout the world.

What are the 3 types of church?

Churches Militant, Penitent, and Triumphant.

What type of government that is administered by a church?

theocracy, government by divine guidance or by officials who are regarded as divinely guided. In many theocracies, government leaders are members of the clergy, and the state's legal system is based on religious law. Theocratic rule was typical of early civilizations.

Are churches owned by the government?

Because of the clear separation of church and state in the US Government system, there is no example of when a state or federal government will own a church property. As such, work on churches is always private, commercial work. And, of course, you can file a lien on a church just like any other property.

How do we govern a church?

In the mega-church model, power is highly centralised. The Senior Pastor leads the executive and also chairs the governing board. Executive staff and pastors sit on the board and sometimes outnumber non-executive directors. Most roles are appointed by and accountable to the Senior Pastor.

Who rules the church?

In other words, authority is given by the Lord to the congregation itself, but the pastor is God-called to that congregation not only to serve and take care of the congregation but to be the leader.

Who is the owner of a church?

Local churches are most often listed as the owner in the deed to the local church property, but the denominations nevertheless sometimes claim a right to determine occupancy, use and control on the basis of a “trust clause” added to the denominational constitution.

Are churches regulated by the government?

The bottom line is that the IRS has created specific guidelines on churches and other religious entities to determine their tax status. However, it is not a requirement that a church meets all the criteria.

How do churches get funding?

Tithes and offerings from followers are the primary sources of income for several churches, and this has become a common mechanism for providing church services.

What governments are theocracy?

The laws of a theocracy are based on religious laws and precepts, and the government serves its deity rather than the citizenry....Every Theocracy Country Currently in Existence in the World:Afghanistan.Iran.Mauritania.Saudi Arabia.Vatican City.Yemen.

What form of church government says that every body of believers should be independent and self governing?

The term congregationalist polity describes a form of church governance that is based on the local congregation. Each local congregation is independent and self-supporting, governed by its own members.

What is the leadership structure of the church?

The Church is led by 15 apostles. The most senior apostle is the president of the Church, and he selects two other apostles as counselors. These three function as the First Presidency, which is the highest governing body of the Church.

What is leadership in the church?

Church leadership is about serving others in accordance with Christ's interests so that they can see and accomplish God's purpose for them in the world. A church leader needs qualities that influence and morally support the congregation, the volunteers, and others within the community.

What is congregational politics?

Congregational Polity: A church that is governed by its congregations. Methods of appointing congregational leadership vary; many operate similarly to presbyterian churches by appointing a board of elders. A congregational church's elders, however, will not be beholden to anyone else. Congregational denominations might be thought of as loose confederation between similarly-minded congregations. Often called "conventions," the national/international body at the top of such organizations can do little beyond offer suggestions and determine how to spend membership fees (if they are collected).

What is Presbyterian politics?

Presbyterian Polity: A church that is governed by groups of elders ("presbyters"). The elders of each individual congregation work out how to run on the local level, but they are beholden to more powerful groups of elders made up of members of congregations from many churches. There might be several levels of such authority. Although individual congregations have some autonomy within such a system, the national/international body at the top ensures that they all remain more or less in line.

What is the church government?

Church government (or sometimes church polity) is that branch of ecclesiology (study of the church) that addresses the organizational structure and hierarchy of the church. There are basically three types of church government that have developed in the various Christian denominations: the episcopal, the presbyterian, and the congregational.

What are the principles of democracy in the Church?

According to this source, the principles of democracy in church government rest on the belief that Christ is the sole head of his church, the members are all priests unto God, and these units are regarded each as an outcrop and representative of the church universal.".

How did congregational polity get its name?

Congregational polity draws its name from the independence of local congregations from the authority and control of other religious bodies. Paige Patterson has summarized congregational polity as follows:

What is the highest authority in a presbyterian church?

Thus the "highest" authority in a presbyterian or reformed church (after Christ) is said to be the Elders of the church . Those elders are typically elected by the congregation on a periodic basis (usually a term lasts about 3 years). Sometimes elders are elected by the drawing of lots.

How are elders elected?

Those elders are typically elected by the congregation on a periodic basis (usually a term lasts about 3 years). Sometimes elders are elected by the drawing of lots. Those who are elected to office serve their terms as the spiritual/theological/moral/visionary leaders of the congregation.

What is the role of a pastor?

In this structure it is important to note as well that the "Reverend" or "Minister of the Word and Sacrament"--the Pastor--is recognized essentially as one of the Elders with a specialized role. The Pastor in this model of governance does not have special authority beyond that of the Elders, except insofar as, due to their role and training, they are recognized to be "expert" in the spiritual and theological life of the local congregation.

What is the episcopal system?

A notable example is Ray Sutton, the Suffragan Bishop in the Diocese of Mid-America of the Reformed Episcopal Church, who has produced work arguing that the episcopal system is biblical.

Who is the authority of the local church?

In some congregational models the local church, while subject to no higher level of authority or rule, may be ruled by a group of Elders, or even a single Elder, which is ultimately answerable to the congregation but to no higher authority outside or beyond the local congregation; the congregation elects or appoints its Elders who then rule or guide the congregation; ordination is at the local level; qualifications for voting members will vary from congregation to congregation.

What is the authority of the congregation?

In the Congregational form of Church government the congregation rules and makes the final decision in matters of faith and practice; each individual church is autonomous and is subject to no higher authority or level of organization; authority is understood in terms of the congregation.

What is the most Biblical model?

Note: Of the three forms it seems that the most Biblical model is a model that places in some manner the election or appointment of Elders with the congregation, and then those duly elected by the congregation rule or lead the congregation in all matters ; the decision of the Elders must be followed by each believer and by the congregation of believers.

Who has the authority to ordain?

In an Episcopal system, the Bishop is supreme, with superiority and authority over Elders and Deacons in a specific geographical area, and over other layers of organization that may become established by the particular group; the authority of the Bishop is assumed to have been derived by apostolic succession from the original apostolate, and only the Bishop has the authority to ordain.

Is the church a local group?

While having some measure of freedom, each local church is under a local group and under expanding larger groups, but the larger groups (Presbytery, Synod, and Assembly) may not have the authority of discipline; the relationship of these entities is that of mutual accountability.

Is a church association voluntary?

Any association or fellowship with other churches and/or groups is voluntary and is non-binding on the local congregation which retains it independent status.

What is the church government called?

The word episcopal is from the Greek word episkopos, which is often translated in English as “bishop” or “overseer.” This form of church government functions with a single leader, often called a bishop. The Roman Catholic Church may be the most well-known of the episcopal-type churches. The Pope is also the Bishop of Rome. Below him are other bishops who are in turn responsible for other bishops down to the parish priest. The Anglican Church, Episcopal Church, and Greek Orthodox Church all have this form of government. One priest or bishop answers to another, who answers to another, until “at the top” there is one bishop (often called the archbishop) who has final authority.

What is the third type of church polity?

The third type of church polity is the congregational form. In congregational churches, the final authority rests with the congregation. This polity takes various forms. In some churches, there are almost no designated leaders (or, as some might say, except the Holy Spirit), and the congregation is involved in virtually every decision ...

What is the presbyterian form of government?

Another type of church polity is the presbyterian form. The word presbyterian is from the Greek word presbuteros, which is usually translated “elder.”. In this form of government, authority ...

What is the final authority of a church?

In independent or autonomous churches, final authority rests with the local board of elders. In some churches with elder rule, the elders are elected or ratified by the congregation. However, once the elders are ratified, the congregation does not have power to remove them or overturn their decisions. The third type of church polity is the ...

What is church polity?

Church polity ( church government) refers to how a church’s leadership is structured. While there are many variations and nuances found within individual churches (and these are too numerous to list), essentially all are variations of one of the following: episcopal, presbyterian, and congregational. (The subject may be complicated by the fact that there are denominations known by each of these names.) Every church is either independent with no higher authority outside of that local church, or it is part of a larger group or denomination with leaders who exert control from outside the church.

What is the board of elders called?

Ultimately, the final board of elders (sometimes called the general assembly) has authority on matters in that denomination.

What is a presbyterian?

The word presbyterian is from the Greek word presbuteros, which is usually translated “elder.”. In this form of government, authority rests not with a single individual but with the body of elders or presbyters. In denominational churches, the local board of elders answers to a higher board of elders, which is made up of select elders ...

How many primary systems of church government have dominated the ideological spectrum of Christian leadership?

Throughout history, three primary systems of church government have dominated the ideological spectrum of Christian leadership.

What is congregational church government?

With a renewed emphasis on the priesthood of every believer, congregational church government has dominated the Protestant church. This form of church government, most often found in Baptist churches, usually maintains the presence and title of elders/pastors and deacons/trustees, but the power resides with the members of the congregation, who vote concerning yearly budgets, church programs, and leadership appointments. Divisiveness can be a negative result of this format, but the added accountability can stave off blatant corruption.

What is the Presbyterian government?

Presbyterian Government. One other popular system is the presbyterian church government. **. As indicated below, this simply means that the church is lead by the eldership (who are supported by the deacons). The church body may have limited say into the major decisions of the church, but those who meet the biblical qualifications for leadership ...

What is the name of the church government that is a derivative of the Greek word for "elder"?

** “Presbyterian” is a derivative of the Greek word for “elder.”. Many churches, other than the Presbyterian denominations, employ a Presbyterian church government.

What is the church regulated by?

On the other, we know that the church is an organization set up by Christ and regulated by the guidelines commanded throughout the Scriptures. As a divinely commissioned organization, God has ordained leadership to spur on growth, purity, outreach, and holiness.

Is the Moody Church a Presbyterian church?

At The Moody Church, we maintain a system somewhat similar to a Presbyterian-style of church leadership because we believe that this structure is biblically preferable. Using the terms elder and bishop interchangeably, the church government described and commissioned in the early church was marked by a plurality of elders (Titus 1:5-7; Acts 11:30; 14:23; 20:17-18; Philippians 1:1). However, we must not insist that all other churches be like ours, but rather acknowledge the rich history and continuing value of churches which adhere to other systems of leadership.

Why do churches follow a leadership model?

Different churches have different reasons for the model they currently follow, ranging simply from “it’s always been done that way” to a sincere effort to follow God’s Word.

What is a presbytery?

The presbyterian form of church leadership has a “presbytery” (leadership board) in charge of church matters. The local presbytery is comprised of male (and sometimes female) members of the church family who, like the congregational pattern, are usually elected to office. Generally, the members of the presbytery are selected based on their leadership qualities and perceived ministry effectiveness.

What is a senior pastor?

Very few church family members, if any, can override decisions made by the senior pastor. A senior pastor is typically a gifted teacher or administrator and, more often than not, comes from outside a local church family.

What is the spiritual model of leadership?

This leadership model uses the spiritual qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9 to determine the men (not women) who are to lead. Elders are usually appointed by other elders and publicly ordained. Sometimes, however, a few elders are elected by the members of a church family from a larger group of qualified men.

Notable Quotes

• Episcopal See main page: [Episcopal (polity)](Episcopal(polity))_ The polity of theEastern Orthodox, Coptic,Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, and(some) LutheranChurches. The episcopal form of government has been the polity of theChurch catholic as early asIgnatius of Antioch, all the way down to the time of theReformation. Advocates for an episc...

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Single Elder/Pastor Led

Democratic Congregational

Plural Elder-Led