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     February, 2001

PERSONAL INTEGRITY AND

CONGREGATIONALISM

Within our Association of Churches, there seems to be a creeping concept that, if not checked, threatens the very idea of what it means to be a Congregationalist. I refer to some who seem bent on the idea that they can proclaim the faith that motivates their personal lives as the norm for others.

One may laud those whose personal faith is so vibrant they wish all to share it but that defies the very principles that make us who we are. I quote from Henry David Grey's pamphlet, "What It Means to be a Member of a Congregational Christian Church."

"We do not accept any formal statement of faith as binding upon all members of our Churches. This is not because we think creeds do not matter, but because we think sincerity of conviction requires full opportunity for intellectual freedom and personal experience. Thus, every Congregationalist possesses full liberty of conscience in interpreting the gospel."

" In our Churches no statement of the Christian faith can be made binding upon the conscience of the Christian man or woman. This means that there are differences of emphasis within and among our Churches. Every sincere conviction that exalts our Lord is honored among us. This inclusive basis of membership naturally attracts to the Congregational Christian fellowship men and women of genuine conviction, of adventurous faith, and of gracious brotherly regard for each others sincerity."

We cherish the idea that each believer can freely believe what he or she must and live life accordingly. There IS diversity in our midst, that is the mix that makes us grow as believers. There is also unity because we believe in one Lord and we seek to change as our understanding of our Lord grows within us. No specific statement of faith can or should confine our minds and souls. As Hall and Schimpf say in their pamphlet, "Principles and Practices:" "There is strong New Testament support for the conviction that we, as disciples, are called to believe "in" Christ and not to subscription to any particular list of things "about" Christ. That my friends, is a major part of what it means to be a Congregationalist.

National Association of Congregational Christian Churches
P.O. Box 1620
Oak Creek, WI 53154
1-800-262-1620

E-mail: naccc@naccc.org

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