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THE CONGREGATIONAL MINISTER

The Congregational minister is a man or woman who has felt an inward call from God to be a minister of Christ, who has prepared himself for his calling (usually by four years of college and three years of theological training), who has been invited to become the pastor of a Church or to perform other ministerial duties (such as chaplain), and who has been ordained by the Church of which he is a member, with the cooperation of sister Churches.

The minister is the chief spiritual leader of the Church and normally preaches, teaches, counsels, presides at the Lord's Supper, Baptism, Covenant/ Confirmation or reception of members, Marriage, Burial, and other special services of the Church. Often he is the Chairman of the Prudential Committee or "Church Board," presides at Church meetings, and administers the affairs of the Church. His most important task is to bear witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ both in relation to those who are not active Christians and in regard to those in the Church who need guidance and help.

Mature Christians with wide experience and education often times seek special training in the Bible, the ministry, and church history and polity in order to present themselves to their Church for Ministerial License or Ordination.

In a Congregational Christian Church, all members take unusually large responsibilities because we look upon everyone as having the privilege and duty of sharing the good news of Christ and of exercising within the Church those spiritual functions for which God has endowed them with special talents.

National Association of Congregational Christian Churches
PO Box 288, Oak Creek, WI 53154
 

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