Which groups are approved to sit in the International General Council?

Which groups are approved to sit in the International General Council?

• A. Ordained ministers, exhorters, and laity
• B. Ordained ministers and laity
• C. Exhorters and laity
• D. Ordained ministers only

Answer: (A)

The governing body is designed to include a balanced representation of those who lead, those who teach in a preaching capacity without ordination, and the broader membership. Ordained ministers provide spiritual oversight, governance, and pastoral leadership. Exhorters bring the voice of licensed preachers who serve in teaching and ministry roles without full ordination. Laity ensure the perspective of the general congregation is part of decision-making. Because all three groups participate, the council reflects both clergy leadership and the lived experience of the wider church, making the inclusion of ordained ministers, exhorters, and laity essential.

The governing body is designed to include a balanced representation of those who lead, those who teach in a preaching capacity without ordination, and the broader membership. Ordained ministers provide spiritual oversight, governance, and pastoral leadership. Exhorters bring the voice of licensed preachers who serve in teaching and ministry roles without full ordination. Laity ensure the perspective of the general congregation is part of decision-making. Because all three groups participate, the council reflects both clergy leadership and the lived experience of the wider church, making the inclusion of ordained ministers, exhorters, and laity essential.