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Publications
: The Congregational Way Series
: Principles and Practices |
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Pages:
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1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
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7
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page 4 of 7
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Principles and Practices:
The Congregational Way of the Churches of the National Association
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by Lloyd M. Hall, Jr. & Karl D. Schimpf |
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The Sacraments
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Following the Protestant tradition, Congregational
Churches observe two sacraments:
Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
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While most of our Churches practice the baptism of infants
(usually anticipating a Covenant Class for early teens), the tradition of believer baptism is honored among us and may be the rule
for individual Churches or certain families within a Church. Similarly, while "sprinkling" is the most common form of baptism,
pouring and immersion are not unknown. Each Church will make
its own determination as to the time and form. All agree that this
sacrament "signifying an invisible grace" is the rite of admission to
the Church of Christ.
The Lord's Supper (which may also be called Communion)
is most often observed in Congregational Churches as a remembrance. Through the reenactment of Jesus' last supper we are
drawn again into the reality of what God is doing through the
Christ. As we come "remembering," we are restored and strengthened. It is our common practice to observe "open communion" in
which we gladly share Christ's table with anyone who wishes to
come in faith.
The form of this sacrament will most often be plates of
bread and trays of individual cups passed through the congregation. Other forms may occur from time to time or even be normative in particular Churches. Similarly, the frequency of observance
is a matter for each Church to decide. A monthly observance is
not uncommon though the rate may exceed that or be limited to
only two or three times a year.
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The Ministry
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In reduction ad absurdum, if one were asked who can be a
minister of a Congregational Church, the answer would be "Anyone the Church desires." Truthfully, that is accurate. Once we
recognize that the Church is "complete" in itself, it has only Christ
to answer to in terms of the decisions it makes - including the call
and ordination to ministry.
That we may does not mean that we must or should, nor
that we always will. The fellowship life of the Churches and an
historic commitment to an educated clergy have established fairly
strong traditions among us. The primary role belongs to the
Church but there is a place for fellowship as well. Specific issues
surrounding ordination will be addressed later.
Our Association plays a vital role in the ministry of our
Churches in two ways. Through the Congregational Foundation
for Theological Studies, men and women are able to attend any
accredited seminary while simultaneously receiving spiritual,
emotional, and sometimes financial support; and being trained in
Congregational polity. Fellows of CFTS have individually applied
for admission to the program and been admitted only after demonstrating their call and competence. This helps to assure a continuing supply of well-trained clergy for our Churches.
The second major role is that of placement. Our office of
Pastoral Relations provides a source through which Churches may
discover clergy who are available for call and where clergy may
discover Churches who are seeking ministers. The function of our
office is limited to certifying the accuracy of the record as it is
presented on a minister's information form; and to sharing Church
profiles with inquiring ministers; and sending minister's information forms to Churches (upon the minister's request). No member
of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches
staff is authorized or permitted to interfere in the process. Once
the connection is established between a Church and a minister, all
further discussions are held along that axis and our office is removed from the action. This system allows maximum freedom for
ministers and Churches while still maintaining a forum where
connections can be made. |
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National Association of Congregational Christian
Churches
PO Box 288, Oak Creek, WI 53154 |
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Pages:
Cover,
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7
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Page 4 of 7 |
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