What is a Congregationalist? 

Congregationalists trace their origin to England in the late 1500’s. They sought reform in the Church of England by “separating”and establishing their own churches; this was in contrast to the Puritans who sought to “purify” the church from within.

From that time to this, a hallmark of the Congregational Church has been the emphasis on the autonomy of each local congregation. Each church has the authority to determine all matters that pertain to that fellowship from the details of its statement of faith (if it chooses to have one) to the ordination of clergy.

Under this system, each church chooses its own officers (particularly the minister) and ordains them when elected. In addition,

1. Each church owns and controls its own property;
2. Each church has the right and responsibility to discover its own mission and ministry;
3. Each church determines the significance and method of observing the Sacraments (following the Protestant tradition, these are usually the Lord’s Supper and Baptism) and rites (generally Ordination, Marriage and Christian Burial) it observes; and,
4. Each church is free to form such voluntary associations as it chooses but is never subject to these associations. Our Church affiliates with two larger organizations, The Western PA Association of Congregational Christian Churches and the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches.

Second, Although Congregationalists accept the basic Christian beliefs regarding God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Scripture, worship and prayer, we do not accept any formal statement of faith as binding on all Church members.

This is position based on the sincere conviction that every Congregationalist has the right, responsibility and the freedom to interpret the meaning of the gospel for themselves. Congregationalists have a high regard for individual conscience.

This means that there are differences of emphasis within and between Congregational churches. There is a wide spectrum of theological positions among Congregationalists, a variety and diversity of belief both within and among churches, but all should be committed to working together to discover new light from God’s Word.

If Congregationalists are not bound together by ecclesiastical structure (church government) or by creeds (statements of faith), what is it that identifies Congregational Churches?

Each Congregational Church is a group of Christians who worship together and are bound together by a covenant. The covenant is a promise to work together to serve God in our time and place. Thus, each church is a gathered fellowship of believers.

Finally, Within this context, each individual Congregationalist is charged with the responsibility of becoming a faithful Christian and responsible church member.

One of the major tasks for each church member is be achieve biblical literacy. Congregational Christians have traditionally held the conviction that the Bible contains the Word of God which will direct and inspire us in life. It is the duty of each Christian to read and and have the skills necessary to interpret the Bible for our own time.

Although each church can and should develop its own list of duties, responsibilities and privileges of membership, most would include at least the following responsibilities of a church member:

a. Continually develop a sincere Christian faith.
b. Participate in the life and work of the Church by attending services of worship and Church meetings.
c. Give systematic financial support to the total ministry of the Church.
d. Seek God’s guidance through regular prayer and Bible study both in families and in the Church fellowship.
e. Show care and concern for others both within and outside the Church.
f. Promote peace and harmony within the Church.
g. Bring the love of Christ to those outside the Church.