congregational churches?

[jef1225]

Hey all, hope everyone is having a good day today. My question is what are congregational churches all about? Are they considered non denominational? There is 1 in my town where I live. They've been a part of the community for well over 100 years. I just didn't know about the congregational movement as a whole and was wondering. Thanks

 

[Winken]

See if they are affiliated with the United Church of Christ.

 

[nChrist]

Ususally, a congregational church is Protestant, independent, and self-governing. They may have fellowship with like-minded churches. Some would offer a more simple definition: an old-fashioned country-type church where everyone is welcome. I attend a congregational church and it is non-denominational. Independent is a key issue. No other church or group of churches tells them what to preach.

 

[WolfGate]

I see congregational as a polity, not a theological or denominational position. As 357magnum stated, they are self governing, and additionally final governance is given to the congregation, not the pastor or elders. What that looks like can vary -some congregational churches only vote to affirm/approve budget, elders, pastors which are presented to them. Others have say in more broad reaching matters. What these churches believe can cross the Christian gamut.

Some denominations have as part of their structure that churches are congregational.

 

[jef1225]

Thank you for your replies.

 

[actionsub]

Hey all, hope everyone is having a good day today. My question is what are congregational churches all about? Are they considered non denominational? There is 1 in my town where I live. They've been a part of the community for well over 100 years. I just didn't know about the congregational movement as a whole and was wondering. Thanks

There are three denominations whose churches may be called "Congregational":

The United Church of Christ (UCC), formed from a merger of Congregational Churches and German "Evangelical & Reformed" Churches. The Congregational Churches usually retained the "Congregational" name.

The National Assoc. of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC)

The Conservative Congregational Christian Conference

If the church has been around for over a century, they're probably either UCC or NACCC. There are some scattered non-denominational churches that call themselves Congregational, but they're rare.

 

[jef1225]

There are three denominations whose churches may be called "Congregational":

The United Church of Christ (UCC), formed from a merger of Congregational Churches and German "Evangelical & Reformed" Churches. The Congregational Churches usually retained the "Congregational" name.

The National Assoc. of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC)

The Conservative Congregational Christian Conference

If the church has been around for over a century, they're probably either UCC or NACCC. There are some scattered non-denominational churches that call themselves Congregational, but they're rare.

That makes sense if associated with the ucc. In my town there is a large german descent population from way back. My family included. Thank you for your reply.