What is a Congregational Church?
Built on a basis of Faith, Fellowship, and Freedom...
A Congregational Church is easy to recognize when it is functioning well. This is a church where the congregation motivates and moves the worship, administration, outreach, stewardship, and even the maintenance of the church. Those who are familiar with the congregational tradition and its history will tell you that every church member has a voice and a vote when it comes to the many decisions regarding church practice, worship, and administration.
The root of Congregationalism:
Faith as expressed in a church covenant or promise of the community.
Fellowship as expressed in the development of relationships, between members, between churches and ministers.
Freedom expressed with the responsibility to maintain our heritage and our autonomy.
"Congregationalists," as we call ourselves, are sometimes characterized by a wide spectrum of theological views that have divided many other Christian denominations. There is a sense of freedom to seek after a better understanding of God through the sacrifice of Christ. We are fully reliant on the scripture of the Holy Bible. We are united in our acceptance and pursuit to fulfill our church's covenant.
The church is to recognize those who are called to ministry. When there is evidence that an individual possesses the gifts needed to fulfill this call, we are to encourage these men and women, young or old, to pursue the education and qualifications necessary to serve as Congregational ministers.
There is much that can be gained from the ability to get 'outside of the box', but there is also a great amount of responsibility. This requires a commitment to life-long Christian Education. This commitment to continued education makes St. Jacobi and other congregational churches welcoming environments for those seeking a rich God-centered, spiritual life.
Congregationalism Online:
Important information for your study of
The Congregational Way
National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC)
Center for Congregational Leadership
Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies of the NACCC (CFTS)
NACCC Lay Ministry Training
Congregational Library (Beacon St., Boston)
NACCC Lay Ministry TrainingCongregational Library (Beacon St., Boston)
Wisconsin Congregational Association (WCA)
Wisconsin Congregational Theological Society (academic papers & meetings)
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