Both the General Church, unincorporated and incorporated, are headed by an Executive Bishop. The ecclesiastical affairs (church services, sacred rites) are performed by a clergy that must be ordained by the current (or previous) bishop. The civil, or organizational affairs are run by a Board of Directors of the incorporated General Church.

New bishops are nominated and selected by the clergy, "seconded" by the Board, then voted on by the membership of the unincorporated General Church.

The Bishop may govern the ecclesiastical affairs of the Church with the help of an Assistant Bishop (or an Assistant to the Bishop, an appointed position), as well as with advice from the Council of the Clergy.

In his role as general pastor of the Church, the Bishop is further aided by the priesthood, who serve in their roles as leaders of the local congregations.

In governing the civil affairs of the Church, the Bishop is ex officio the chairman of the Board of Directors, and is aided in running the central offices by: a Treasurer/Chief Administrative Officer; the Bishop's Council, a group of lay people appointed by the Bishop to advise him on uses, issues, and the life of the Church; and the Joint Committee, a group of members appointed from the Board, the Consistory, and other lay people to advise the Bishop on policy matters.

Mission Statement Goals for Leadership

The General Church as an organization strives to fulfill the following as the first steps toward accomplishing the overall mission:

• Provide effective general leadership through an organization under episcopal government.
• Provide an effective priesthood.
• Effectively involve members and friends in the uses of the Church.
• Support the continuing translation and publication of the Word.
• Maintain and expand a strong financial base for the present and future needs of the Church.
• Provide appropriate financial, career, and emotional support for employees and volunteers.
• Develop, maintain and provide effective communications throughout the Church.

Directory of General Church Leadership

President and Executive Bishop of the General Church: Rt. Rev. Thomas L. Kline
Vice President and Assistant Bishop of the General Church: Rt. Rev. Brian W. Keith
Chief Administrative Officer: David O. Frazier
Secretary of the General Church: Alaine F. York
Secretary of the Board of General Church, Inc.: Nancy Heilman
Office of Education: Rev. Philip Schnarr, Director
Office of Outreach: Rev. David Lindrooth, Director

Controller: Tina Bartels
Assistant Controller: Claudia Horner
Consolidated Plant Operations: Chris Carter, Director
Information Technology: Lelia Howard, Director
Human Resources: Joseph Weiss
Development & Communications: Bruce Henderson, Director