The Governing Council – comprised of the Chapter of Chapters, the Chapter of Diplomates, and the Executive Chapter – exhibits chapter-based governance at the scale required for an organization of over 130 chapters.

The Chapter of Chapters consists of six-chapter Conveners, each representing a cluster of chapters grouped more or less geographically. Each representative is chosen from and by the conveners in the cluster. A list of the states in each region and a map of the regions can be found on the Convener's Corner page. 

The Chapter of Diplomates consists of six diplomates, chosen at large without nomination or candidacy, from and by all diplomates. Positions are allocated between diplomates in Pastoral Supervision and Pastoral Psychotherapy in proportion to their numbers, and are filled on a three-year, rotational basis.

The Executive Chapter consists of six persons – the General Secretary, the President, and the Treasurer, along with Chairpersons of any three of the Standing Committees as designated by the General Secretary.

The Governing Council approves the governing documents of CPSP, and any changes as needed, establishes policies and procedures where matters are not addressed in those documents, and communicates decisions in a timely manner to the chapters and members. The Governing Council is responsible for all legal and fiscal matters, for the appointment of the General Secretary, President, and Treasurer, and for the hiring and employment of the Administrator. In its role as a board, the Governing Council fulfills its fiduciary responsibility to the chapters and members of the College.