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Congregationalism: The Bottom Line
By Rev. Bill Hull
A wide variety of congregational forms are practiced in the Evangelical Free Church, which can result in a great deal if discussion concerning the definition of congregationalism. A communicative fog often rolls in over those attempting definition. But the diversity of congregational forms is a strength and explains why so many people have been attracted to the Free Church movement.
As the doctrinal statement reads, "Each church is free to govern its own affairs." This can lead to new and better forms of congregationalism, more efficient and congruent with the surrounding culture. The preamble to the bottom line is that the congregation has authority to overrule decisions of its leaders. This, of course, requires some reasonable mechanism for congregational input, with the frequency to make decisions left to the local church.
The Bottom Line: Five Issues
The Congregation should have input and rights of approval in five key areas:
1. The Calling of a Senior Pastor
The senior pastor's ministry touches everyone. Therefore, it makes sense for the congregation to vote and confirm the recommendation of the search committee that has been charged with the responsibility to present a candidate to the congregation. It is not necessary, however, for the entire church to vote for other staff members. If the staff position is already pre approved in the budget, then the senior pastor, in concert with the church board, can make the decision. This saves the church from major conflict when a staff member needs to be dismissed. The senior pastor needs the freedom to build his own staff and with the counsel of the church board the freedom to dismiss staff as well.
2. Choose Leaders
Congregation members should elect their leaders. They have the triad responsibility to choose their leaders, follow their leaders, and hold their leaders accountable. This should be done in an orderly fashion. The congregation should have written job descriptions and an understanding of the qualifications for the positions. They can make written recommendations to a task force which can then nominate qualified leaders for the congregations approval. This is done effectively when an objective and formal training program exists for the preparation of people for leadership.
3. The Annual Budget
If the congregation is expected to support the budget, they should have input into its development. Line item veto is not necessary or even a good idea for a large group setting. They should have at least 30 days before ratification to view it and make suggestions to those crafting it. By the time of the official vote, most questions will be answered and adjustments made.
4. Facilities
It seems obvious that if a major commitment is going to be made by the congregation to build a facility, they need the right to say yes, no, or not yet. Once again the entire ordeal can be made tolerable by proper delegation. Take group-type decisions to the group and leave committee-type decisions in committees.
5. Membership
This is a delegated function, but the congregation needs to ratify the committee's work regarding membership. In case of church discipline, the congregation has the authority to dismiss members if need be.
If the preamble is understood, then a church can operate an effective congregationalism with the five above issues as the bottom line. If tradition demands more direct congregational input, then that is fine. It is important to understand, however, that the above five issues do qualify as congregationalism and must be allowed to exist in the Evangelical Free Church of America.
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