What is Congregationalism

Three Congregational Principles

• ​A Church where Christ is the Head, with no external hierarchy

• A Church based on a covenant relationship with God and with one another, where seeking the mind of Christ is the basis of all that is done

• A Church where all members are considered equal before God, and all skills and giftings are values and recognised

 

How do we practise these principles?

• We welcome people into Church membership to have responsibility for all aspects of Church life

• We hold regular Church Meetings where through the power of the Holy Spirit we seek the mind of Christ and everyone is encouraged to contribute

• We have Ministers who have a specific role of spiritual leadership, teaching, and preaching: they are members of the Church who are also subject to the discernment of the Church Meeting

• We worship in a style which is adaptive to the Church Community

• We invite all who love the Lord Jesus Christ to share communion

• We usually baptise children, but will baptise people of every age (who have not previously been baptised) as part of our worship

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What does this mean to me?

•  I believe in God and accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour

• I have been called by God to be an active member of the Church

• I attend Church Meetings and contribute to discussions and share ideas

• I regularly attend worship

• I am faithful in bible reading and in prayer, in giving and in service 

• I take part in Holy Communion

• I can lead services or Holy Communion if called by God to do so and agreed by the Church Meeting