DIARCHICAL ADMINISTRATION AND ITS DEVELOPMENTAL IMPLICATIONS WITHIN THE AFRICAN CHURCN, NIGERIA

Congregationalism, Episcopalism, Autocratic and Presbyterianism are the historic four models of church governance found in New Testament and practice by Christian churches. The Episcopal form of church government is known as hierarchical or monarchical because authority comes from top (Bishop or Overseer) to the congregationi. In Presbyterian polity, authorities resides with elders elect by the congregants, while the congregation governs the church through the leadership of Holy Spirit in a congregational polity. The African Church Nigeria denomination has historically rejected all the aforementioned forms of church administration or church government which are dictatorial in practice.