The international General Assembly grants to its ________ the same voice that it affords all credentialed ministers.

• A. Pastors
• B. Laity
• C. Elders
• D. Deacons

Answer: (B)

In this church governance setup, the important idea is that the General Assembly includes lay members who vote with the same authority as credentialed ministers. The Assembly is the chief decision-making body, and local churches send delegates to participate. Granting the laity the same voice means that ordinary members, not just ordained clergy, have an equal say in decisions about doctrine, polity, and leadership. This reflects a principle of shared, accountable governance where the perspectives of all believers shape the church’s direction. The other roles listed—pastors, elders, deacons—are already part of the credentialed ministry or church leadership, so the statement points to the laity as the group that shares equal voting influence with credentialed ministers.