Tier I · Local
Society
The Society is the local congregation — the fundamental unit of ministry, focused on worship, discipleship, and evangelism.
Church order
Structure & Governance
The governance of the Wesleyan Church (SANC) balances the authority of leadership with the representation of local church members across four representative tiers — expressed in the Border & Eastern Cape District from its seat in Mthatha.
The four tiers
Society · Circuit · District · Conference
Tier II · Circuit
Circuit
A grouping of Societies under one pastoral charge, led by a Circuit Superintendent, Circuit Minister, and Circuit Management Team.
Tier III · Regional
District
A geographic network of Circuits — here the Border & Eastern Cape District, seated in Mthatha — led by the District Bishop, supported by the District Management Team and gathered in a District Synod.
Tier IV · National
Conference
The supreme governing and lawmaking body of the denomination, presided over by the Presiding Bishop.
Offices & teams
Who carries which responsibility.
Conference
Presiding Bishop
The senior episcopal office of the Church, presiding over the Conference and giving oversight to the Districts.
District
District Bishop
Episcopal oversight of all Circuits within the Border & Eastern Cape District; convenes and chairs the District Synod in Mthatha.
District
District Management Team
The team that carries day-to-day governance and ministry coordination between sittings of the Synod.
Circuit
Circuit Superintendent
The minister carrying pastoral and administrative oversight of a Circuit and its Societies.
Circuit
Circuit Minister
An ordained minister serving alongside the Superintendent in the pastoral work of the Circuit.
Circuit
Circuit Management Team
The lay-and-clergy team that governs the practical life of the Circuit.