The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God ordains bishops and pastors to formal leadership positions within the church. These ordained leaders are understood as set apart and empowered for ministry — preaching, teaching, conducting services, performing baptisms and the Lord's Supper, and pastoral oversight. The UCKG does not teach sacramental priesthood in the Catholic sense; there is no exclusive priestly class with power to effect grace through ritual.

However, ordained leaders in the UCKG hold significant pastoral and spiritual authority. They are responsible for doctrinal instruction, for maintaining discipline within congregations, for conducting deliverance and healing ministries, and for representing the church hierarchy to the membership. Respect for and obedience to pastoral authority is emphasized; the pastor is understood as God's representative in the congregation. Pastoral authority flows from the bishop down to subordinate pastors and leaders.

While pastoral roles are open to some women, male bishops and senior leaders predominate in the UCKG hierarchy. The most senior positions of authority are typically held by men. The universal priesthood of believers is not formally denied, but the role of ordained leaders is emphasized as distinct and authoritative. Believers are expected to look to their pastors for spiritual guidance, doctrinal instruction, and authoritative interpretation of Scripture.