Table of Contents
What is the meaning of congregationalism?
noun. a form of Protestant church government in which each local religious society is independent and self-governing. (initial capital letter) the system of government and doctrine of Congregational churches.
What does a Congregational church believe?
Congregationalists believe that no earthly body could be a more authentic church than a particular place that possesses the Bible, the sacraments, a properly called and appointed minister and deacons, and members who have made a genuine Christian profession.
What is the significance of congregationalism?
Congregationalism achieved its greatest influence and numerical strength in the United States, where it helped to determine the character of the nation as a result of the New England experiment, which established communities based on Congregational religious principles.
Is congregationalism a denomination?
The Congregational Christian Churches were a Protestant Christian denomination that operated in the U.S. from 1931 through 1957. On the latter date, most of its churches joined the Evangelical and Reformed Church in a merger to become the United Church of Christ.
What is the difference between Baptist and Congregationalist?
Congregationalists have two sacraments: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Unlike Baptists, Congregationalists practise infant baptism.
Where are Congregationalists found in the US?
Congregational churches had been present in eastern New York prior to the Revolution, but expansion into the central and western parts of that state took place in the 1790s as emigration increased from Massachusetts and Connecticut.
What do Congregationalists believe?
Congregationalists. Congregationalism, a belief that it was the right and duty of each congregation to make its own decisions about its affairs, independent of any higher authority, emerged in Britain in the late 16th century. In the 16th and 17th centuries Congregationalists were often called Independents.
What is Congregationalism, Biblically speaking?
Biblical congregationalism is about affirming, appointing, and submitting to qualified leaders. Each established church is responsible for affirming the call of and appointing the men who fill leadership positions in the church (Acts 6:1-7, 1 Timothy 3:1-13). But they affirm and appoint trustworthy men who they then submit to and follow (Hebrews 13:17).
What does Congregational mean?
Definition of congregational. 1 : of or relating to a congregation. 2 capitalized : of or relating to a body of Protestant churches deriving from the English Independents of the 17th century and affirming the essential importance and the autonomy of the local congregation.