Church Authority

The Cherubim and Seraphim Church is structured around a superintendent or bishop-led governance model, inherited in part from Methodist polity but adapted to incorporate prophetic leadership. The church is organized into prayer houses or prayer bands, each led by elders, prophetesses, or prophets. There is a hierarchical structure with accountability flowing from local prayer houses to regional and national leadership.

A distinctive feature of C&S authority structure is the formal recognition of prophets and prophetesses as spiritual leaders. These individuals are understood as having received a calling and anointing from the Holy Spirit to lead, to provide spiritual direction, to deliver prophetic words, and to conduct healing and deliverance ministries. Their authority is not merely institutional but charismatic — grounded in the demonstration of the Spirit's power. Women can hold prophetic and pastoral leadership roles, which reflects the egalitarian impulses within African spirituality and early Pentecostalism.

Doctrinal authority resides ultimately in Scripture, understood as the Word of God. However, the C&S also affirms that the Holy Spirit continues to speak through prophetic utterance, and these revelations carry weight in decision-making and doctrinal development. The superintendent or head pastor serves as a final arbiter in case of disputes, but major decisions are often made in consultation with prophetic leaders and the wider membership. This represents an attempt to balance scriptural authority with the recognition of ongoing prophetic revelation.