Church Governments

This course presents a comprehensive study of the various forms of church government (polity) in the history and practice of the Christian Church, with a special emphasis on the Reformed Presbyterian model.

Three major models of church government are considered: Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Congregational. From a Reformed perspective, the course emphasizes the Presbyterian model as biblical, highlighting principles such as the parity and plurality of elders, connectionalism through presbyteries and synods, and the sole headship of Christ over the Church.

The course also places a strong focus on contextualization within African cultures, where hierarchical leadership models are often culturally favored. Students will be taught how to contextualize Presbyterian governance in African settings without compromising core biblical and confessional principles.