Question 108: How Is The Church Governed?

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

Question 108: How is the Church governed?

The Church is governed under the authority of Jesus Christ, its Head, through the ministry of bishops, priests, and deacons. This threefold order, passed down from the apostles, provides oversight, teaches sound doctrine, administers the sacraments, and shepherds God’s people. The Church is also guided by councils, creeds, and Scripture, under the leading of the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 4:11–13, Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5, 1 Timothy 3:1–13, Hebrews 13:17)

Full Scripture References

“And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ.” — Ephesians 4:11–12 (BSB)

“Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.” — Acts 14:23 (BSB)

“The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.” — Titus 1:5 (BSB)

“Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task… Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine…” — 1 Timothy 3:1, 8 (BSB)

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account.” — Hebrews 13:17 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

The Church is governed by Christ, its Head and Lord, who has instituted a structure of leadership to guide, teach, and care for His people. This governance takes shape in the historic threefold ministry of bishops, priests, and deacons, a pattern rooted in the apostolic age and affirmed throughout the Anglican tradition. Bishops serve as successors to the apostles, providing oversight, guarding doctrine, and ordaining new ministers. Priests, also known as presbyters, shepherd local congregations, preach the Word, and administer the sacraments. Deacons assist in service, outreach, and worship, reminding the Church of her call to humility and compassion.

This ordered ministry is not a man-made hierarchy but a divine provision for pastoral care and doctrinal faithfulness. As Article XXXVI of the Thirty-Nine Articles affirms, the ministries of bishops, priests, and deacons are grounded in apostolic order and intended for the building up of the Body of Christ. The Church is also governed through synods and councils, where bishops, clergy, and lay leaders discern the will of God together under the authority of Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Bishop J.C. Ryle wrote, “The only rule and guide by which all Church matters ought to be settled is the Word of God. All ministers are fallible men. They must be tested by Scripture” (Knots Untied, 1874).

Archbishop Henry Ndukuba (Primate, Church of Nigeria) affirms, “True authority in the Church flows from Christ and must be exercised in the fear of God, in conformity to the Word of God, and for the edification of the flock—not for personal gain or human traditions” (Pastoral Letter, 2021).

Rev. Dr. Stephen Gauthier (Director of Catechesis, Anglican Church in North America) explains, “The Anglican commitment to episcopal order is not about control but continuity. Bishops stand in apostolic succession to preserve the faith once delivered, not to alter it” (Anglican Perspective, 2020, [ACNA]*).

Canon Dr. Ashley Null (Canon Theologian, Diocese of Western Kansas) states, “Anglican polity preserves unity with the early Church through ordered ministry and conciliar government, but always under the supreme authority of Scripture” (Reformation Anglicanism, Vol. 1, 2016).

Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) writes, “God’s people need godly leadership, accountable leadership, biblical leadership—and that’s why governance in the Church matters. Christ is our Head, and those who lead must lead as servants under Him” (Provincial Address, 2020).

Thus, the Church is governed not by force or innovation, but by a sacred trust passed down through the apostles, preserved in Scripture, and enacted through godly, accountable leadership in service to Christ and His people.

Early Church Fathers On Catechism Question

St. Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35–107 AD): “Follow the bishop as Jesus Christ followed the Father, and the presbyters as the apostles; let the deacons be respected as the command of God.” — Letter to the Smyrnaeans, 8

St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD): “We can enumerate those who were appointed by the apostles to be bishops in the churches, and their successors even to our time… through whom the apostolic tradition has been preserved.” — Against Heresies, III.3.1

St. Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200–258 AD): “The episcopate is one, each part of which is held by each bishop for the whole. The Church is founded upon the bishops, and every act of the Church flows from their unity.” — On the Unity of the Church, 5

St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “The shepherds of the Church must serve as stewards, not lords, because they govern not by their own authority, but by the command of Christ.” — Sermon 46

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

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An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)