THE CONGREGATIONAL WAY

Congregational Churches are sometimes known as the “Church of the Pilgrims” after the small congregations of the early 1600’s.*  The people of these congregations moved from England to the new world in pursuit of religious freedom.  From them, we inherited a wonderful spiritual heritage, one that is uniquely suited to our contemporary world.

This is a tradition that has deep convictions based upon the Word of God as each person interprets that Word according to the dictates of conscience, under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.  This naturally attracts men and women of genuine conviction, of adventurous faith, and of gracious regard for each other’s sincerity to the Congregational Christian fellowship.

Since every Congregationalist possesses full liberty of conscience in interpreting the Gospel, we are a diverse group of people united under Christ.  We believe there is strength in diversity and by it, there are unending opportunities to learn from each other and to grow in faith.

  • Christ alone is the head of the church
  • All church members are spiritually equal and called to the work of ministry
  • Every local church is autonomous and complete
  • Each local church is called into wider associations of fellowship
  • Believers are bound to one another in voluntary covenant
  • Every Christian possesses full liberty of conscience in interpreting the Gospel
  • The Bible is fully sufficient as our guide in matters of faith and practice and will inspire individuals and direct the church with fresh light and truth for every generation

*Originally called “The Way”

The Art and Practice of the Congregational Way

For a fuller introduction to Congregationalism, you may read or download The Art and Practice of the Congregational Way.  This publication is also available in hard copy from the NACCC office. Geared to introduce church members to Congregationalism, it is especially suitable for new member and confirmation classes, as well as church leaders.

MISSIONS – OUR PHILOSOPHY

Early Congregationalists took God’s call to mission seriously. The most notable missionary to the American Indians was John Elliot, a teacher at the church in Roxbury, Massachusetts.   He learned the Native American languages and eventually founded fourteen communities of “Praying Indians.”

In 1806, several Congregational divinity students were caught in a summer thunderstorm and took refuge under a nearby haystack. As they waited for the storm to pass, they talked about the need for foreign missions and each pledged his life to the foreign mission field. Four years after this Haystack Meeting, Congregationalists formed the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign missions.

The NACCC, through its Mission and Outreach Ministry Council strives to select projects that are Congregational Christian in faith and polity. Overall, our program of Christian missions is holistic, ministering to the needs of the whole person; the spiritual, the physical, and the relational.  All missions are under regular review and evaluation. The needs are genuine, and the projects are worthy of your prayerful and generous support.

Your gift to the NACCC for Missions goes directly, dollar for dollar, to the work on the mission fields. Nothing is withheld for administrative purposes. Administration is funded separately, through the Shared Ministries Fund. 

Internationally, all of our projects are led by indigenous missionaries.   These nationals know the language and culture from birth, and as such, are more effective than outside missionaries. 

As you plan your mission giving, or as your Church prepares its budget for global ministries, we are happy to provide information of timely or urgent needs both at home and abroad.   Please contact the NACCC office for assistance.