|
SOME GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF CONGREGATIONALISM
(Back to Congregational Home Page)
(Back to the Shultz's Home Page)
Congregational Churches are distinguished from other Churches in these
respects:
1. THE ORGANIZATION OF THE LOCAL, STATE AND
NATIONAL CHURCH.
Congregationalism is democracy in religion. The name congregational
implies that the congregation, a company of believers under the Head of
the Church, Jesus Christ, is the final authority in all matters relating
to the organization of the church. Each individual church, through the
actions of its members, calls its own minister, plans its own programs,
regulates its own finances, determines its own policies, and holds title
to all its own properties.
In Congregationalism there are no superintendents, bishops, synods,
or presbyteries with authority to establish programs or policies for the
local church. No council of churches, nor other organizations can speak
for the local church, nor claim that their statements represent the opinions
of the members. No mandatory assessments or quotas can be placed on the
local church by an outside authority.
Every member of a Congregational Church has equal voice with every other
member of the church. Every church has equal voice with every other church
in any association of churches. This principle has resulted in a conscientious
and progressive ministerial leadership, and a responsible membership without
compromising the advantages of local autonomy.
Congregationalists believe that this form of church organization, more
than any other, is particularly capable of adjusting and adapting to the
spiritual needs of those individuals who are seeking to live the Christian
life.
(Top) (Back
to Congregational Home Page) (Back to the Shultz's Home Page)
2. THE CHURCH'S POSITION CONCERNING THE DEVELOPMENT
OF PERSONAL FAITH
Congregationalists believe in the right of each member to hold their own
personal faith in an open, tolerant relationship, respecting the faith
of others. Members are encouraged to share their faith, concerns, and ideals
in an atmosphere which fosters the exchange of differing view-points for
the purpose of encouraging spiritual growth and understanding.
The basis of membership in a Congregational Church is a covenant (a
statement of purpose), rather than a creed. What is important is not what
we promise to believe, but what we promise, with God's help, to do. We
covenant together to walk in the ways of God, known or to be made known
to us. Each member of a Congregational Church has the undisturbed right
to follow the Word of God according to the dictates of her or his own conscience
under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, each member of the
church is encouraged to formulate his or her own statement of faith.
To assist in the formation of personal faith, the church may produce
a statement of faith which gives a general overview of the teachings of
the Christian faith, but which is not binding on the members of the church.
No member is ever told what they must believe in order to be an acceptable
church member. It is counter-productive to force on the individual an ancient
and unchanging statement of faith because this would have the tendency
to stifle the search for more light and truth which can break forth from
God's Word.
Individuals are welcomed as members whose purpose it is to live a Christian
life as that life is understood by faith, conscience, and reason. This
means that a Congregational Church provides a place for people of differing
views to happily worship and work together with an intelligent desire to
learn and know the truth.
(Top) (Back
to Congregational Home Page) (Back to the Shultz's Home Page)
3. THE CHURCH'S POSITION CONCERNING THE
DEVELOPMENT
AND DECLARATION OF PERSONAL CONDUCT
The basic principle of freedom of conscience determines the attitude
of the Congregational Church towards the conduct of the members. Conduct
is understood as the working out in life of the Christian principles of
love for God, for one's self, and for the neighbor/enemy. There is no book
of discipline. There is no attempt to dictate or control the conduct of
the members of the church. The conscience, influenced and empowered by
the Holy Spirit, is the individual's guide to conduct. It is held that
those who become members of the church are desirous of developing and maintaining
high moral and ethical standards. This position lifts the whole matter
of Christian conduct out of the realm of dogmatic assertions and emotional
controversy.
Neither the pastor nor the congregation is authorized to speak on behalf
of the membership of the church. The prudent pastor may hold and publish
a personal position, speaking only for him or herself. The wise congregation
realizes the diversity of opinions and positions of the membership and
does not seek to force an issue on the whole of God's people.
Individuals are encouraged to become involved in social issues in a
way that reflects their own personal faith and position. The discussion
of various, even conflicting, points of view becomes the means of working
together in a common search for understanding and possible solutions to
the social problems confronting the church and society.
(Top) (Back
to Congregational Home Page) (Back to the Shultz's Home Page)
4. THE MEANS BY WHICH CHURCH UNITY MAY BE ACHIEVED
Congregationalism seeks Christian unity by voluntary cooperation, and the
practice of neighborly love and persuasion, rather than by the methods
of organic, theological, ritualistic, or creedal uniformity. Spiritual
unity of all churches is sought through a free fellowship, with mutual
respect, and sharing of faith, ideas, and work wherever this is possible.
Congregationalists participate in and encourage local, state, national,
and world associations of churches so long as such participation does not
compromise the integrity of the local, free, autonomous church.
CONCLUSION
A Congregational Church is democracy in religion. A place is provided by
the membership where the sharing of personal faith, beliefs, ideals, and
concerns is made possible. This is done within the recognition of the individual's
right to freedom of thought and conduct.
(Top) (Back
to Congregational Home Page) (Back to the Shultz's Home Page)
|