Church polity

Church polity refers to the organizational structure and governance of a church community. It determines how decisions are made, who leads, and how authority is distributed. Different churches have different systems: some are governed by a hierarchy of clergy (like bishops and priests), others are self-governing groups of local churches (congregational), and some combine elements of both (episcopal or presbyterian). Church polity helps ensure accountability, support, and clarity in leadership, facilitating worship, discipline, and mission within the Christian community.