Since the COG has a ________ form of government, members do not represent local churches but themselves.

• A. Federal
• B. Decentralized
• C. Centralized
• D. Confederal

Answer: (C)

Centralized government means power is concentrated in a central leadership that coordinates the whole church. In this arrangement, governance and decision-making come from the center, and members act as individuals within that central structure rather than serving as delegates representing their local congregations. This is why the statement fits centralized organization: local churches don’t send separate representatives to govern on their behalf; instead, members relate directly to the central authority.

In contrast, a federal system would involve significant authority residing in regional or local units with representation in the central body; a decentralized setup disperses authority to local areas; and a confederal arrangement is a loose alliance of independent units with a weak central government. These models imply varying degrees of local representation or sovereignty, not the centralization described here.