The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) is structured into three Conference levels:
- Local Conferences
- Annual Conferences (ACs)
- General Conference (GC)
Local Conferences
There are 46 Methodist churches in Singapore. The local churches, also known as Local Conferences, cater to different language groups – English, Mandarin, Tamil, Bahasa and Tagalog, as well as these Chinese dialects: Hokkien, Foochow, Hakka, Hinghwa, Teochew and Cantonese. The local churches come under the care and purview of the ACs. Every Methodist church is shepherded by a Pastor-in-Charge (PIC). The PIC and Local Church Executive Committee (LCEC) provide leadership in decision making and church ministry.
As a connectional church, all local Methodist churches are connected through an organisational structure that respects the uniqueness of each church, yet is united in mission as one whole Methodist Church.
Annual Conferences
The Annual Conferences (ACs) are described as “the fundamental body” in our Church structure. The ACs equip the local churches for ministry and provide a connection beyond the local church. All Methodist pastors hold membership in an AC and are appointed to serve in the various local churches and in other capacities.
In MCS, there are three ACs, namely:
- Chinese Annual Conference (CAC)
- Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC)
- Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC)
Each of the three ACs is led by an elected President (who is an ordained minister) and is assisted by a Vice-President and a Lay Leader, who are lay persons, and other leaders. The President appoints ministers to their various charges and is elected for a term of four years.
General Conference
The General Conference (GC) is the highest body in MCS, responsible for legislation for the whole Methodist denomination within Singapore and has authority to make decisions regarding the General Conference and its agencies. The General Conference Executive Council (GCEC) reviews and oversees the affairs of the GC. The GC is headed by the Bishop, who oversees the spiritual and connectional affairs of the MCS. The Bishop represents the MCS to the wider Christian community within and outside Singapore. These include the National Council of Churches in Singapore and global groupings such as the Asian Methodist Council and the World Methodist Conference. The Bishop also serves as the head of regional churches established by the MCS.
The Bishop is elected at the General Conference regular session, which is held every quadrennium (once in four years).