Constitution And Standing Orders Of The Methodist Church Ghana May 2026

4. Membership

5. Orders of Ministry

6. Episcopacy

3.1 Church Funds

3.2 Property Trusts

3.3 Auditing

The Constitution and Standing Orders of the Methodist Church Ghana serve as the definitive legal and spiritual framework for the denomination, outlining its governance, doctrinal standards, and administrative procedures. Foundational History and Autonomy

The Methodist Church Ghana traces its origins to the 1835 arrival of Rev. Joseph Rhodes Dunwell in the Gold Coast. Originally administered by the Methodist Church of Great Britain, the Ghanaian church attained autonomy on July 28, 1961. This independence was formalized through the Deed of Foundation, which remains the cornerstone of the church’s Constitution and Standing Orders. Governance and Structural Hierarchy

The church operates under a "connexional" system, where local societies are linked through a structured hierarchy: outlining its governance

The Conference: The highest decision-making body, consisting of an equal number of clergy and lay representatives.

Episcopacy: In 1999, the church transitioned to a "Biblical Pattern of Episcopacy". The national head is the Presiding Bishop, supported by a Lay President.

Dioceses: The church is divided into 20 dioceses, each led by a Diocesan Bishop and a Lay Chairman.

Circuits and Societies: Dioceses are further subdivided into circuits, managed by Superintendent Ministers, and individual local societies (churches). The Standing Orders managed by Superintendent Ministers

The Standing Orders provide specific regulations for daily church operations and discipline. Key areas covered include:

Ministries and Personnel: Outlines the process for ministerial candidature, training, and the status of ministers and deacons.

Boards and Committees: Establishes specialized bodies like the Board of Ministries, Board of Education and Youth, and Board of Social Responsibility.

Church Discipline: Sets the rules for member conduct and the procedures for addressing grievances or misconduct. Board of Education and Youth

Property and Finance: Governs the management of church-owned assets, including schools, hospitals, and clinics. Doctrinal Standards About Methodist