Cox Handout - Forms of Church Government

Question 1

List the eight types of Church Government.

Answer 1

1) Episcopalian
2) Presbyterian Government
3) Single Elder/Pastor Government
4) Pastor and Deacons Governing Together Like a Government of Plural Elders
5) Plural Local Elder Government
6) Corporate Board Model of Church Government
7) Government by Pure Democracy
8) No Government But the Holy Spirit

Question 2

Describe Episcopalian Church Government From highest to lowest Office.

Answer 2

1) Archbishops - Have multiple bishops.
2) Bishops - Have Multiple Rectors
3) Rectors - Each Have a Congregation

Question 3

Describe Presbyterian Church Government From Highest to Lowest Office

Answer 3

1) General Assembly - Operates Multiple Presbyterys
2) Presbytery’s made up of Elders who are Called a Session
3) Congregations Each Elect Elders to the Session

Question 4

Describe the Single Elder-Pastor Government.

Answer 4

One Pastor who is Over the Deacons. Both are elected by the Congregation.

Question 5

Describe the Pastor Deacon Government.

Answer 5

One Pastor Is Part of the Deacons Who Run the Church and Are Elected by the Congregation.

Question 6

Describe the Plural Local Elder Government.

Answer 6

A board of elders, which includes the pastor, is elected by the congregation. The pastor elder may not hold the title pastor.

Question 7

Describe the Corporate Board Model of Church Government.

Answer 7

A church board is over the pastor and both are chosen by the Congregation.