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Congregationalism
Historically, church forms of government have been defined in three categories: Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Congregational. The EFCA has chosen to be congregational in its church government.
Congregational church government is based upon the premise that the local church’s highest authority under God and His Word is the collective will of the local church membership. The responsibility for ministry belongs to the entire church membership.
Emphasis in leadership is biblically-based upon spiritual, moral and relational characteristics. Leadership is chosen for defined terms of office, and if necessary, may be disciplined or dismissed by the membership. Officers, boards, teams or committees may be elected or delegated by the congregation to pursue tasks, research issues, and make recommendations. Any decision made by officers, committee, or church boards can be affirmed or overruled by the congregation in a corporate decision.
Although many variations of congregational church government exist throughout the EFCA congregations in all of them should have inputs and rights of approval in five key areas:
• calling of a senior pastor
• choosing and electing of leaders
• the annual budget
• facilities
• membership
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