Final answer:
Early church leaders developed a hierarchical structure influenced by Roman governmental organization, with clergy gathering in ecumenical councils to decide on Church doctrines. The Christian Church, particularly after the fall of Rome, maintained a strict hierarchy and played a significant role in governance and societal structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early church leaders developed a hierarchical structure modeled after the Roman government. Members of the clergy met in councils to decide on official church doctrine. Over time, as the influence of Christianity grew, the Church's organization became more formalized, mirroring the political infrastructure of Rome. For example, Christian bishops participated in ecumenical councils, which were meetings organized by emperors to settle matters of doctrine within the Church. These councils, like the Council of Nicaea in 325, were central in shaping the theological foundations of Christianity.
In terms of governance, the pope in Rome established an extensive bureaucracy similar to that of the Roman government, with cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and priests, creating a clearly defined church hierarchy. The Christian Church thrived after the fall of Rome and maintained a rigid structure throughout the Great Schism, which divided Christianity into western and eastern branches.