Congregational Federation

Congregationalism as a way of being God’s people is to be found at the very birth of the church. The first Christians relied completely on Jesus Christ amongst them. Jesus himself had promised, “Wherever two or three come together in my name, I am there.”

A careful reading of the adventures of the Apostles in Acts demonstrates that the responsibility for the life of the church was shared by all and that the local church made decisions for themselves (Acts 1:26; 6:5; 11:22; 15:22).

The Separatists or Independents have had a mixed experience throughout history. The term Congregationalist was not widely used until Victorian times. They have known persecution and hostility, which led to the Pilgrim Fathers leaving England in 1620 for the new world, in search of greater tolerance. Independents have been influential in social reform, the trade union movement and the Labour party.

The member churches of the Congregational Federation hold this principle most precious: that every church has the scriptural right to maintain perfect independence in the government and administration of its affairs.

This independence is a great gift to the local church and particularly to its mission. Every local church is situated in a different context and community, the autonomy of the church means that together the church can determine its own mission priorities appropriate for that specific context.

Every member church being independent inevitably means that there is great diversity between Congregational churches. Worship, mission and witness will be quite different in each church.

Despite these differences, mission and community involvement is motivated by a commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Churches seek to display God’s commitment to humanity through its witness, working amongst children in parent and toddler groups, Pilots companies, and mid-week activities. Reaching out to young people through coffee bars, drop-ins and youth clubs. Witnessing to others through such mission tools as Emmaus and Alpha courses. Others will be involved in community development and other initiatives to improve the local community.

There are many challenges that face the churches of the Congregational Federation. Declining numbers of people attending churches and ageing congregations, often worshipping in outdated premises present real challenges. However, as a Federation we are committed to finding new and innovative ways of being God’s people so that we might better serve, love, transform and witness to the world in the name of Christ.

More information about the Congregational Federation can be found at www.congregational.org.uk