The Congregational Church originated in 16th-century England as part of the Puritan movement seeking to reform the Church of England. The Pilgrims, a group of Separatist Congregationalists, brought their beliefs to America in 1620, establishing the first Congregational church in Plymouth. It emphasized the autonomy of individual congregations, with each church governed by its members rather than a hierarchy of bishops and were directly accountable to Christ alone. This core principle, known as congregational polity, distinguishes us from hierarchical church structures like those found in Catholicism or Presbyterianism.

Here are the key tenets and philosophical underpinnings of Congregationalism:

• Autonomy of the Local Church: This is the most defining characteristic. Each individual congregation has the right and responsibility to determine its own affairs, including its worship practices, governance, doctrinal statements, and selection of leaders (ministers, deacons, etc.), without external control from a higher ecclesiastical authority (such as bishops, synods, or denominational bodies).
• Christ as the Sole Head of the Church: Congregationalists believe that Jesus Christ is the ultimate authority for their churches. They seek to discern and obey God’s will as revealed through scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit.
• Priesthood of All Believers: Stemming from the Reformation, this principle asserts that all baptized members of the church are spiritually equal and have direct access to God. This means individuals are encouraged to read and interpret the Bible for themselves and participate actively in the life and governance of the church.
• Liberty of Conscience: A strong emphasis is placed on individual freedom of conscience in interpreting the Gospel. This leads to a diversity of thought and practice within Congregational churches, as members are encouraged to arrive at their own understandings of scripture. While this allows for a wide range of beliefs, some historical Congregationalists also struggled with maintaining doctrinal unity.
• Democratic Process: Because the congregation is the ultimate authority, decision-making within Congregational churches often involves democratic processes, with members having voting rights and an equal voice in church affairs.
• Sufficiency of Scripture: The Bible is considered the ultimate guide in matters of faith and practice, inspiring individuals and directing the church.
• Two Sacraments: Congregationalists typically recognize two sacraments: Baptism (often infant baptism, though not always exclusively, with the understanding that there’s no distinction between “infant” and “believer’s” baptism in terms of spiritual efficacy) and the Lord’s Supper (celebrated regularly).
• Historical Roots: Congregationalism emerged from the Puritan movement in 16th and 17th century England, as dissenters sought to “purify” the Church of England from what they saw as remaining Catholic practices and hierarchical structures. The Pilgrims who sailed to America on the Mayflower were early Congregationalists, and their philosophy significantly influenced early American democratic institutions, particularly in New England.

While independent, we often engage in wider associations (i.e. the UCC is our source for ordained ministry) or fellowships with other Congregational churches for mutual support, discussion, and shared missionary efforts, these associations are typically advisory and do not hold authority over the autonomous local congregations.