Parish Structure
Leadership and Organization
About Parish
The Parish is the most vital and vibrant local unit of the Mar Thoma Church — the living expression of faith, fellowship, and service within the community. It is here that believers gather regularly to worship, pray, and participate in the sacramental and communal life of the Church. Every member whose name is entered in the Parish Register and who participates in the worship and ministry of the parish is considered an integral part of this spiritual family. The parish functions not merely as an administrative body, but as a fellowship of believers united in Christ, called to witness, serve, and grow together in faith.
Rooted in the apostolic tradition and guided by the teachings of Scripture, the Mar Thoma Parish upholds the Church’s mission to be “a witnessing community serving in love.” It provides the platform where faith becomes action — through worship, education, mission work, and social involvement. At the parish level, the life of the Church finds its most tangible form. Each service, each prayer meeting, and each act of compassion reflect the broader mission of the Mar Thoma Church to bring the Gospel into daily living. The parish thus stands as the heart of the Church’s mission, nurturing spiritual growth, fostering unity, and ensuring that every member actively participates in the life and ministry of the Church.
Parish Committees
Edavaka Sangham & Kaisthana Samithi
- The Edavaka Sangham functions as the General Body of the parish.
- The Kaisthana Samithi (Executive Committee) executes the decisions of the Edavaka Sangham.
- For administrative convenience and fellowship, each parish is divided into Prayer Groups, which send representatives to the Kaisthana Samithi.
- Prayer Groups also play a vital role in nurturing community life and spiritual growth.
Democratic and Episcopal Blend
A Harmonious Administrative Model
- The Mar Thoma Church blends democratic principles with Episcopal leadership, ensuring inclusiveness and accountability. Most decisions are made through prayerful consultation and consensus, rather than majority vote.
- Mandalam (Representative Assembly): 1,365 members
- Laity Representation: 65% of Mandalam
- Episcopal Nomination Board: 24 members (14 lay representatives)
- The Mar Thoma Church remains a living example of participatory and faith-led governance, evolving with the times while remaining rooted in its apostolic tradition.
Membership and Contributions
Membership and Financial Responsibility
- The Church follows a voluntary contribution system—there is no fixed membership fee.
- Every member has a Christian obligation to support the parish and the Church financially.
- Contributions sustain parish activities, mission work, and community service initiatives.
Church Institutions & Departments
Supporting Ministries and Organizations
- The Church’s administrative structure is complemented by several spiritual and social institutions governed by its constitution:
- Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association – Coordinates evangelistic work.
- Sunday School Samajam – Nurtures faith formation among children.
- Suvisesha Sevika Sanghom – Women’s fellowship and ministry.
- Voluntary Evangelistic Association – Mobilizes parishes for evangelistic mission.
- Yuvajana Sakhyam – Youth fellowship and leadership development.
- Mar Thoma Medical Mission – Coordinates healing ministries and medical outreach.
- Educational Institutions & Welfare Projects – Promote education and social service.
Closing Line
A Living Heritage of Shared Leadership
The Mar Thoma Church’s administrative system embodies its vision of shared leadership, faith-centered governance, and community participation—a heritage that continues to guide its mission in the modern world.
