How is a mission church typically ruled?

A mission church is typically governed by an established authority outside of its immediate congregation, which is often represented by a Presbytery or organizations such as the Mission to North America (MNA) or Mission to the World (MTW). This governance structure is in place because mission churches are often in the early stages of development and do not yet have the resources or the maturity to establish their own permanent governing bodies.

The role of the Presbytery or MNA/MTW is to provide oversight, support, and guidance, helping the mission church to achieve its goals and integrate into the wider church community while it develops its congregation and leadership. This hierarchical support is crucial as it ensures that the mission church is aligned with the broader beliefs and practices of the denomination while it grows and evolves.

Other governance methods, such as random selections from the congregation or decisions solely by congregational vote, would likely lead to instability or disunity, particularly in a mission context where focus and clarity of purpose are essential for success.