The Leadership Structure of the Methodist Church in Kenya

 Introduction

The Methodist Church in Kenya (MCK) has a well-defined leadership structure that ensures smooth governance, spiritual guidance, and organizational growth. The church follows a hierarchical system, with leaders at different levels working together to fulfill its mission. This article explores the leadership structure of MCK, from the Presiding Bishop to local church leaders.

The Presiding Bishop

The Presiding Bishop is the overall head of the church and also the face of the church. Rev. Isaiah Deye is the current presiding bishop having taken over from Rev. Joseph Ntombura at the beginning of 2024.

The Conference Secretary

The church has a conference secretary who is the defacto second in command. Currently Rev. John Maromba is the Conference Secretary.

The Synod Bishops

They are the heads of the synods, where each synod is comprised of circuits and mission areas. These mission areas are not yet stable enough to be an autonomous synod because they are growing and need an established synod to run effectively. With time these mission areas grow and reach a threshold that enables them to run effectively and become a synod of their own. Some of the current synods were once mission areas. These are elected through a vote by the delegates and serve a maximum of two four year terms. 

The Synod Secretaries

These are the second in command to the synod bishop and they are voted in together with the bishop

The Superintendent Ministers

They are the ones that are in charge of the circuits. A circuit consists of individual churches and schools and smaller institutions sponsored by the Methodist Church in Kenya. They are appointed and stationed by the stationing committee and they do not have a term limit and they can be transferred to another station even after one year or they can stay in one station for an extended period depending on a number of reasons. They deal and interact directly with the members of the congregation.

The Circuit Ministers

Like the Superintendent ministers they are stationed to a specific circuit but they operate under the Supt. Minister. They are automatically in charge of the circuit in the absence of the Supt Minister and basically perform the same functions.

The Evangelists

Most of them are aspiring ministers who either are yet to finish theology school, have completed the course but have not yet been approved to be ministers, are aspiring to undertake that course or have been recently approved but waiting for formal posting. They can be appointed from the conference level, employed by the circuit or by an individual church. Their work is mostly assigned by the Superintendent Minister and can be used for a variety of jobs

The Church Chairpersons

These are voted in by the members of individual churches under the supervision of the Minister in charge of the circuit. They are the people that act as a link for the passing of information between the clergy and the congregation. They serve for two year terms.

The Congregation

They include all the registered members of the Methodist Church in Kenya.