WHAT MAKES FOR A CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
LETS GET ORGANIZED! Rockland Congregational Church is
incorporated in the state of Maine as a not-for-profit religious
organization. Our church by-laws structurally define how we operate. If
you don’t have a copy of our bylaws and want one, call the church office
and we’ll be happy to provide one. Each church is autonomous and does
not report to any higher human authority or ecclesiastical body.
BY THE CHURCH FOR THE CHURCH. All decisions concerning the church
reside in the hands of the congregation. Ultimate authority is exercised
through the congregational meeting, two of which are mandated by the
bylaws and others of which can be called by the Congregational Council
or five members. Each board and committee exists to fulfill a critical
role in the church’s ministry, outreach and stewardship. The
Congregational Council is the congregation’s representative body to
conduct the daily business of the church. Meetings are open to anyone
who wishes to attend and minutes from all meetings are available in the
church office for anyone to see. Volunteers are elected to Board
positions by the congregation. Committees are appointed by existing
Boards. A nominating committee, elected directly from the floor of a
congregational meeting is responsible for soliciting volunteers willing
to be nominated for board positions. If you’re interested in serving,
inform the pastor or a member of the nominating committee.
WHAT KINDS OF DECISIONS? The congregation, directly or through
representative boards and committees decides who shall serve as pastor,
what annual budget will be adopted, what form of worship we will
practice, what ministries are considered vital to fulfill our Christian
mission, what property to buy or sell, what alterations to the bylaws
are called for, to name a few. In short, no one outside this church
makes binding decisions for Rockland Congregational Church. This is a
hallmark of Congregationalism.
WIDER FELLOWSHIP. Congregationalism also takes very seriously our
need to be in fellowship with other Congregational churches for matters
of advice, education and common endeavors. We are formally in fellowship
with the Congregational Christian Churches of Maine and the National
Association of Congregational Christian Churches. We support each
fellowship with our presence in their meetings, participation in their
work and a voluntary monetary contribution to each organization
annually.
ECUMENICAL ACTIVITIES. We believe that gathering with members of
other faith groups enhances understanding of each other and enriches our
own expressions of faith. We join with other churches in matters of
common endeavor, including worship services and clergy support.
The Congregational Way is a unique Christian witness which believes
in the guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead us in our decisions, and is
practiced through participation in all facets of church life.
DIVERSITY
ALL ARE WELCOME. In our Churches no statement of the Christian
faith can be made binding upon the conscience of another. 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 regard for each other’s sincerity. Because every
Congregationalist possesses full liberty of conscience in interpreting
the Gospel, we are a diverse group of people united under Christ. What
one of us believes in faith may substantially differ from the faith of
the person sitting next to us in the pew or from the faith expounded
from the pulpit. We believe there is strength in this diversity and by
it, there are unending opportunities to learn from each other and grow
in faith. Additionally, all individuals are welcomed into the community
regardless of gender orientation, ethnic origins, economic status or
disability. We will, however, hold as paramount the safety of the church
community that it might be a sanctuary of peace for all who enter. No
confidentiality will be kept that presents threat of harm to the church
or the individuals within it. The church is entirely handicap
accessible.
WHAT IF WE DISAGREE? Tolerance of diversity means a commitment to
disagree with each other in loving ways. This means both speaking
opinions and respectfully listening to and genuinely considering the
merits of other opinions. Coming to agreement on church issues is
handled through democratic means as set out in Roberts Rules of Order
and the bylaws of Rockland Congregational Church.
I’M MAD AT THE PASTOR AND I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO! Don’t leave!
Nothing gets solved that way. The first and best course of action is to
make an appointment with the pastor and explain your dissatisfaction.
Your pastors will make every attempt to listen to your concerns and try
to explain or clarify things that may be misunderstood. This holds true
for all of your staff as well as for relationships between each other.
Direct communication clears up 95% of misunderstandings between people.
WHAT IF I’M IN THAT 5%? Any concerns about church staff may be
referred to the Senior Pastor who is responsible for their supervision.
The Personnel Committee is ready to hear your concerns about the Senior
Pastor and respond. Also, any five members of the congregation have a
right to call a congregational meeting for the purpose of airing
differences and coming to appropriate and, hopefully, amicable
solutions. (See bylaws)
A GOLDEN RULE. It is human nature for people who come together to
disagree from time to time. Conflict can help build up the community if
you go to the individual directly or take it to the proper church
committee. However, airing your complaint to others instead of
following the suggested procedures can cause great harm to the community
of Christ. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem and no
disagreement will be insurmountable.
PRACTICE FORGIVENESS. All of us need it, none of us can do
without it, and it is a blessing to be able to give it.
The pathway of faith is wide enough, the love of
God broad enough and the forgiveness of Christ more than sufficient for
all of us as we travel together on our Christian journey.
VITAL RESOURCES
THE CHURCH:
Rockland Congregational Church
P. O. Box 554
180 Limerock Street
Rockland, Maine 04841
Tel. Office:
Fax:
e-mail:
Web site:
Office Manager:
YOUR STAFF AND HOW TO REACH THEM:
Senior Pastor:
Church Telephone:
Home Telephone:
e-mail:
Home Address:
Associate Pastor:
Church Telephone:
Home Telephone:
e-mail:
Home Address
Minister of Music:
Church Telephone:
Home Telephone:
Home Address
Office Manager:
Church Telephone:
Home Telephone:
e-mail:
Home Address:
Parish Nurse:
Home Telephone:
e-mail:
Home Address:
Custodian:
Church Telephone:
Home Telephone:
Home Address:
OTHER NUMBERS YOU WISH TO RECORD:
Position Name Number
Moderator:______________________________
Assoc. Moderator: ______________________
Facilities Management: __________________
Diaconate: ______________________________
Ladies’ Guild: __________________________
Christian Education: ____________________
Youth Advisors: _________________________
Missions: _______________________________
CHURCH CONTACTS
Name Number
YOUR CHURCH HISTORY
Family Baptism Membership
Member Date & Where Date & Where
OTHER NOTES
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What Makes for a Congregational Church