church government
/ˌtʃəːtʃ ˈɡʌvnm(ə)nt/ /ˌtʃəːtʃ ˈɡʌvəm(ə)nt/noun
The administration and control of the affairs of the Christian church or a denomination of it; the system or form of polity upon which a particular Christian community is organized for the exercise of authority and discipline, as Episcopal, Presbyterian, Congregational, etc.
Origin
Mid 16th century. From church + government.