Church Authority

Iglesia ni Cristo affirms a theocratic polity in which the Executive Minister (the head of the Church) is understood as God's appointed earthly representative and supreme authority in the Church. Below the Executive Minister is a hierarchical structure of District Supervisors and local ministers who exercise delegated authority. This hierarchical, centralized governance is presented as divinely ordained and necessary for the unity and purity of the Church. All doctrinal interpretation and major decisions are subject to the authority of the Executive Minister.

The theocratic model emphasizes absolute obedience to Church leadership as essential to salvation and Christian discipleship. Members are expected to submit to the authority structure without question, and disagreement with Church teachings or leadership is considered rebellion against God. The Executive Minister is understood as receiving direct divine guidance for the Church's doctrine and practice. This hierarchical authority structure is presented as a restoration of the apostolic model and is considered essential to INC's identity as the true Church of Christ.