Congregationalism
At the heart of Congregationalism is the belief that local congregations are to govern their own affairs. This stands in contrast to both Episcopacy and Presbyterianism. Contact UsEpiscopacy
The word Episcopal comes from the Greek word that is usually translated “bishop” and points to the church’s understanding that a bishop is the primary ruler of the church.
Bishop’s authority is equal to that of the apostles and follows a line of succession by the laying on of hands in ordination
Priests come under the authority of the bishops and are responsible for the teaching and administration of the local churches.
Presbyterianism
The name “Presbyterian” applies to a diverse group of churches that adhere in some degree to the teachings of John Calvin and John Knox and practice a presbyterian form of church government led by representative elders (presbyters).
At the heart of Congregationalism is the belief that local congregations are to govern their own affairs. This stands in contrast to both Episcopacy and Presbyterianism.
A church that practicing congregational polity authority is vested in the church as a whole. It is derived from Christ (Mt 16:18)
Basis of Union
Article II – Church Property
Church property may be held by individual congregations of other church bodies. It is desirable that property be held in the name of the church. Transfer of property should be held in the name of the church. Transfer of property shall be voluntary.
Article III – Historic Faith and Message
We do preserve all of the heritage of faith brought into the Union by each of the constituent Churches and hereby declare as our common faith and message: Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, our Lord and Savior.
“It is called the Basis of Union that encapsulates the “heritage of faith” that says, “Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, Lord and Savior.” It prescribes the Church’s mode of governance that follows the principle of local church autonomy whereby the inviolable freedom and rights of each local church to govern its life, ministry and witness is protected without interference.
This principle provides a space for “coordination” with other local churches through the Conference as laid out in the CBL with their consent and “willingness”.
The Principle of Faith
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who are being protected by the power of God through faith…” 1 Peter 1:3-5a NRSV
1. Covenants
2. The members of the Church are followers of Jesus Christ.
3. All members, clergy or laity, are spiritual equals, with gifts from the Holy Spirit in differing measures.
Rights and privileges are equal with each other.
PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS
All, in the eyes of God, are equal.
4. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
The Principle of Freedom
Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be lost in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:18-20 NRSV
1. The Church is composed of individuals who voluntarily accept the covenant of the Church.
Congregational churches members are bound by freely accepting the covenant they have written which expresses their promises to God and to each other. No one is compelled but everyone must yield to the decision of the greater number, or to those who actively participate in the democratic processes
2. Every Church is complete under Christ with the authority to administer its own affairs as it seeks to be faithful to Christ.
Congregational churches have different worship practices and ministries and mission work, depending on their focus and fit given their differing circumstance and context. They have freedom to interpret Scripture, between and among themselves. The understanding here is that the Local Church “derives its power and authority directly from Christ and is not subject to any ecclesiastical government exterior or superior to itself.”
3. Through its membership, Christ endows the church with ecclesiastical authority, including the rites of ordination, the right to call to choose its own minister, the ability to own and sell its own property, the authority to determine corporate rules, and the acceptance of new members, among others.
The members, under Christ, are the “sole authority” in providing the religious activities of the Church and for transacting business.
4. The members exercise their rights and responsibilities in the Church, through a democratic decision-making process and the structure of representative boards, committees and teams.
The Congregational meeting is, therefore, an essential component of Congregationalism. It is during this meeting that the members participate in the decision-making process.
The Principles of Fellowship
1. It is the local church that ordains individuals to the ministry and through which a person is determined to be a Congregational minister.
2. Through Vicinage Councils Congregational churches actively seek advice from one another to aid in discerning the work of the Holy Spirit among them.
3. While each Congregational church is autonomous, it reaches its fullest expression as a Congregational Church in Christ only in fellowship with other autonomous Congregational churches.
4. There is yet more light to break forth from God’s glorious Word and wisdom in the “cloud of witnesses” that has gone before us.