| Court | Composition | Key Powers (Constitution, Sections 40-65) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | All ordained ministers + lay representatives (ratio 1:2) | Supreme legislative body; elects Presiding Bishop; amends Standing Orders; hears final appeals. | | Synod (District) | Ministers in district + lay reps from Circuits | Elects District Lay Leader; oversees district property; can censure ministers. | | Circuit Quarterly Meeting | Circuit minister + Society Stewards | Budget approval; admission of members; recommendation of candidates for ministry. | | Society (Local) Church Meeting | All members of a local church | Elects Society Stewards; receives financial reports; votes on local discipline. |
The governance of the Church is rooted in the , signed on July 28, 1961, at Cape Coast. This historic document marked the Church's transition from a district under the British Methodist Conference to a fully autonomous body. The Constitution serves as the supreme legal document, outlining the Church's identity, doctrinal standards, and fundamental structure. The Role of Standing Orders Constitution and Standing Orders of The Methodist Church
At the local circuit level, the Standing Orders are most active. Trustees cannot sell or mortgage property without Conference
Methodism began in the 18th century under John Wesley. Wesley did not initially intend to leave the Church of England. However, the need for organized societies, class meetings, and lay preachers necessitated a unique set of (eventually The Large Minutes ). These became the blueprint for later Constitutions worldwide. At the local circuit level, the Standing Orders