Church Governance
GSCA operates through a comprehensive governance framework designed to ensure effective leadership, accountability, and spiritual oversight across Malawi and beyond.
Operational Governance Levels
Local Church Boards
Branch Pastors
District Councils
District Superintendents
Regional Councils
Regional Bishops
National Council
National Overseer
International Council
General Overseer
Council of Elders
Board of Trustees
National Legal & Oversight Authority
The Council of Elders (Board of Trustees) provides spiritual oversight and counsel at the national level, holding legal authority over all national church property and assets. Composed of current and retired National Overseers, Regional Bishops, District Superintendents, Pastors, Church Directors, and elected members from the congregation.
Governance Structure Overview
GSCA operates through a comprehensive governance framework with multiple levels of leadership:
- Local Church Boards - Led by Branch Pastors
- District Councils - Led by District Superintendents
- Regional Councils - Led by Regional Bishops
- National Council - Led by the National Overseer
- International Council - Led by the General Overseer
Core Ministry Departments
GSCA operates through core ministry departments that serve the church and community:
Children's Ministry
Nurturing young hearts with biblical foundations
Youth Ministry
Empowering the next generation for Christ
Women's Ministry
Building strong, faith-filled women leaders
Men's Ministry
Developing godly men and spiritual leaders
Worship Ministry
Leading congregations in spirit-filled worship
Evangelism & Outreach
Reaching the lost and spreading the Gospel
Decision-Making Process
Our church follows a collaborative decision-making process that involves:
- Prayer and Discernment: Seeking God's will through prayer and biblical principles
- Leadership Input: Gathering input from all levels of leadership
- Regional/International Review: Higher governance levels review and approve major decisions
- Congregational Input: Seeking input from church members on significant matters
- Congregational Vote: Major decisions are brought before the congregation for approval
Accountability Measures
We maintain several accountability measures to ensure faithful stewardship:
- Annual independent financial audit
- Quarterly financial reporting to congregation
- Regular evaluation of pastoral staff
- Transparent communication of church activities
- Open-book policy for financial records
- Church covenant and membership commitments
- Regular congregational meetings
- Multi-level oversight through governance structure
Church Meetings
Our church holds several types of meetings:
- Sunday Services: Weekly worship and teaching
- Business Meetings: Annual meeting and special meetings as needed
- Small Groups: Weekly home fellowship groups
- Ministry Meetings: Monthly meetings for ministry leaders
- Prayer Meetings: Weekly prayer gatherings
- Governance Meetings: Meetings at all levels of governance structure