Which of the following best describes the governance of the Church of God?

The governance of the Church of God can be described as judicial because it emphasizes a system of church administration that is based on judicial processes and procedures. In this context, the term “judicial” reflects how the church operates with specific guidelines, policies, and measures for resolving disputes and conducting governance, emphasizing accountability and due process.

This form of governance highlights the importance of biblical principles and church laws that guide decision-making, thus ensuring that actions within the church align with scriptural teachings. It can involve boards and councils that consider matters judiciously before making decisions, which are believed to have spiritual authority.

In contrast, the hierarchical model focuses on a top-down approach with centralized authority stemming from bishops or higher offices. The congregational model, on the other hand, emphasizes decision-making authority at the local church level, allowing each congregation to govern itself independently. Decentralized governance implies a lack of central authority, leading to inconsistency in practices and policies across different congregations. Each of these models demonstrates different organizational structures, but the judicial framework distinctly characterizes the governance within the Church of God as one that prioritizes legalistic and associative order and careful deliberation.