Pastor James T. Willard

What is a "Congregational" Church Anyway?

When people discover I'm a Pastor, the question usually arises: "And what church do you pastor?" My answer: "The Congregational Church of Berkshire" Their response: "Oh", followed by a puzzled expression. In case you are not certain what a "Congregational Church" is, I offer this brief explanation.

During the later part of the 16th century, there arose, among the Christians in England, a movement of the Spirit of God. After much Bible study and prayer, Robert Browne, a member of the Church of England, sensed a call from God to turn to the New Testament for a plan and guide for church organization. Pastor Browne taught that the only Head of the church was the Lord Jesus Christ. Each individual member could be directly related and connected to our Head, Jesus. He believed that there was no need of any body of officials to rule over the local church. Hence, the "congregation" was the basic unit of the church. Each member would have the right to vote on church matters. The poorest workman's voice would carry the same weight as the King of England. Mr. Browne's views did not receive a warm reception from the Bishops nor the Royal Family.

It was not long before those who followed Pastor Browne were forced to flee to Holland. There, they were free to worship as they believed, but their children were quickly losing the English language and culture. By God's grace, they were able to find a ship to take them to the English colonies. On a warm August day in the year 1620, they set sail on the Mayflower. They arrived on a cold autumn day in the month of November at a place that was later named Plymouth Rock. These Separatists or Congregationalists established a community there not far from the bay. Before they left the ship, they wrote the Mayflower Compact. This document stated their agreement to live by the Word of God in all matters.

Our Congregational Church, as are all churches in the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, is directly linked to those first Pilgrims. In a Congregational Church, the Bible is our light and guide in all things. So when you hear the word "Congregational" remember: the congregation, led by the Holy Spirit and the Bible, made up of all covenant members, decides what we will do for the glory of God.