Organization
Local Church
The local church is the locus of mission in the UCCP. To be considered a local church, a worshiping congregation must have 75 adult members. Ministering to the local church is the Ordained or Licentiate Pastor, which act as spiritual leader, shepherd, executive officer, and church representative.
Conference
Local churches are organized into a Conference within a given territory. The Conference Minister is the executive officer of the Conference and is elected for a term of two years by the Conference delegates from each of the local churches, renewable for another term. There are 47 Conferences in the UCCP.
Jurisdiction
The Conferences are organized into a Jurisdiction within a defined geographical area. The Jurisdictional Bishop is the executive officer of the Jurisdiction and is elected for a term of four years by the General Assembly, renewable for another term. There are seven (7) Jurisdictional Areas in the UCCP.
General Assembly
The highest policy-making body of the UCCP is the General Assembly which meets every four years to chart out to proclaim the faith, determine the ministry and mission policies of the church, provide for the conduct of mission, issue statements on important public concerns, and elect church officers.
National Council
The National Council is an interim body of select members of the General Assembly that meet annually to address urgent concerns of the church in between the regular meetings of the General Assembly every four years. There is also an Executive Council, consisting of elected officers and incumbent Bishops, that meets in between meetings of the National Council.
Commissions
Mandated to help provide order in the life and work of UCCP are several commissions tasked to establish norms, standards, and discipline of the church; forge unity with other denominations; and promote Christian stewardship of resources. There are also committees and boards assigned to theological education, church workers benefits, social witness and public policy, among others.
Meet Our Commissions
FAITH AND ORDER COMMISSION (FOC)
This commission is tasked to establish norms and standards of doctrine, order, and discipline within the church. In consultation with the Council of Bishops, this commission is also tasked to prepare theological statements on doctrinal and contemporary issues of public interest.
COMMISSION ON CHURCH UNITY AND UNION (CCUU)
This commission is responsible for establishing a dialogue with other denominations and communions in the interest of Christian Unity; negotiating with local independent churches seeking affiliation with UCCP; and representing the church in negotiations for organic church union.
COMMISSION ON STEWARDSHIP AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (CSRD)
This commission is tasked to advocate vigorous Christian stewardship through cheerful giving of tithes, time, talents and possessions. It is also tasked to establish a comprehensive property and resource development program, setup mechanisms to enable the church to be financially self-reliant, and form cooperatives and institutions that will provide social benefits to church workers and members.
NATIONAL COMMISSION ON DISCIPLINE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION (NCDCR)
Considered as the highest judicial body of the church, this commission is responsible for disposing with finality all requests for advisory opinions on the interpretation of the constitution, by-laws, statutes, rules, and procedures of the church. It is also responsible for deciding all cases brought to it in the exercise of its original or appellate jurisdiction, ensuring at all times that due process and fair play are observed.
Church-Recognized Organizations
These semi-autonomous organizations serve as implementing and consulting bodies in the total life and work of the church. These groups lend a helping hand in the church’s numerous ministries. They also help to maintain harmonious relations within the church at all levels.
Meet Our Church-Recognized Organizations
NATIONAL UNITED CHURCH MEN
NATIONAL CHRISTIAN WOMEN ASSOCIATION
NATIONAL CHRISTIAN YOUNG ADULTS FELLOWSHIP
UNITED CHURCH WORKERS ORGANIZATION