Ecclesiastical Polity: Analysis of Congregational, Presbyterian, and Episcopal Forms of Church Government

Abstract

Church doctrine has been the subject of intense debate and division throughout Church history, particularly regarding Church governance. This article examines the traditional understanding of church governance based on the three forms of church that have been advanced from the New Testament. By exploring the Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Congregational forms, the article underscores that the Congregationalism system is the most balanced system of church governance by providing its biblical support. The article analyses each model and provides biblical arguments for and objections to each model. The article concludes by showing that the congregationalist model is most supported Biblically.