Online MEMBERSHIP Preparation
1- What is meant by "Congregational-Christian?
In 1620 the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock and brought with them the idea that a congregation of believers ought to be able to rule themselves. That was the beginning of the "Congregational Way". For three hundred years, Congregationalists have held to the ideal of local congregations seeking the guidance of God themselves, without the dictates and oversight of magistrates or bishops. Congregationalists are a covenant people, having no defined doctrinal statement other than the Bible itself. We believe that the Word of God is living and active and constantly ready to meet the needs of people every day. We have resisted the temptation to “boil down" the whole counsel of God into a few statements of dogma. The “Christian” name comes as a relic of this church’s organization in 1831, as part of a post Revolutionary War religious movement away from a church polity with inherently British roots. Each member of a Congregational-Christian Church is a minister along with all the other members. It is our desire to reach out to one another and to the world in the name of Christ with love, acceptance and support.
2- Rites and Sacraments
Our church observes two sacraments - Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Infant Baptism is available to any who are intent on raising their child in a covenant of faith. It is a “gateway” sacrament, and membership is not required. Adults may be baptized at any time, either by sprinkling or by full immersion. Rebaptism is not generally practiced, but members are given the opportunity to be rededicated to their baptismal vows. The communion table is open to worshippers of all ages who love Jesus Christ and seek forgiveness for their sins. On the first Sunday of the month, we sit and are served bread and grape juice by the Deacons. We partake simultaneously. We practice at least four traditional rites – funerals or memorial services, marriages, confirmation, and anointing of the sick.
3- Theology
Three important theological concepts that distinguish the East Freetown Congregational Christian Church - as a church in the tradition of the Protestant Reformation are:
1. The authority of Scripture. We look to the Word of God as his authority in our lives - and not to traditions, legends and myths.
2. Salvation by grace. We are saved only by the Grace of God and by the sacrifice of His Son Jesus, and not by any of our own works by which we endeavor to earn salvation.
3. The priesthood of all believers. All have direct access to the Father by virtue of the Holy Spirit. We are all recipients of his gifts by the same Spirit, and these gifts are to be used for his ministry.
“Faith-Freedom-Fellowship” is a long standing phrase of the Congregational Way which describes our notion that, as a non-credal, non-doctrinal church, each member is responsible for his or her own understanding of Scripture, his or her own responsibility to the Word, and the grace of being in fellowship with others who might have received wisdom differently than himself or herself.
1. The authority of Scripture. We look to the Word of God as his authority in our lives - and not to traditions, legends and myths.
2. Salvation by grace. We are saved only by the Grace of God and by the sacrifice of His Son Jesus, and not by any of our own works by which we endeavor to earn salvation.
3. The priesthood of all believers. All have direct access to the Father by virtue of the Holy Spirit. We are all recipients of his gifts by the same Spirit, and these gifts are to be used for his ministry.
“Faith-Freedom-Fellowship” is a long standing phrase of the Congregational Way which describes our notion that, as a non-credal, non-doctrinal church, each member is responsible for his or her own understanding of Scripture, his or her own responsibility to the Word, and the grace of being in fellowship with others who might have received wisdom differently than himself or herself.
4 – According to our Bylaws
The by-laws are a legal document that spells out how we may organize and function as a body politic of people. The primary function of any set of by-laws is to set parameters for the duties, responsibilities and limitations of our being called into community together.
The by-laws of the East Freetown Congregational Church specify our name; our purpose for organizing - which is to build up the Kingdom of God; our polity – which is to say that we are independent of any other corporation or denomination; that we are identified by a Trinitarian belief (indicating the divinity of God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit); and that we are gathered by a Covenant of Faith which lays out certain personal obligations to the group.
In addition, the by-laws outline the different types and means of membership there are; the function of the minister (which is to be responsible for the spiritual welfare and education of the church; and the document names the officers of the church as Moderator, Assistant Moderator, Clerk,
Assistant Clerk, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Auditor, Communion Steward, Historian, and Superintendent of Sunday School.
Then the bylaws describe the Boards and Committees of the Church which are charged with the sundry responsibilities of the community: Deacons (who assist in the worship services and administering the sacraments); Trustees, (who have custody of all church properties, permanent and invested funds, and have general oversight of all monies and appropriate funds); and the Board of Christian Education (which oversees Christian education programs of the church); and the Executive Committee, comprised of Boaard members and At-Large members.
In addition, there are committees formed for various tasks including Missions, Sunshine, Flowers, Social, Visiting, Nominations, Music, Finance, and Fund Raising.
The by-laws of the East Freetown Congregational Church specify our name; our purpose for organizing - which is to build up the Kingdom of God; our polity – which is to say that we are independent of any other corporation or denomination; that we are identified by a Trinitarian belief (indicating the divinity of God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit); and that we are gathered by a Covenant of Faith which lays out certain personal obligations to the group.
In addition, the by-laws outline the different types and means of membership there are; the function of the minister (which is to be responsible for the spiritual welfare and education of the church; and the document names the officers of the church as Moderator, Assistant Moderator, Clerk,
Assistant Clerk, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Auditor, Communion Steward, Historian, and Superintendent of Sunday School.
Then the bylaws describe the Boards and Committees of the Church which are charged with the sundry responsibilities of the community: Deacons (who assist in the worship services and administering the sacraments); Trustees, (who have custody of all church properties, permanent and invested funds, and have general oversight of all monies and appropriate funds); and the Board of Christian Education (which oversees Christian education programs of the church); and the Executive Committee, comprised of Boaard members and At-Large members.
In addition, there are committees formed for various tasks including Missions, Sunshine, Flowers, Social, Visiting, Nominations, Music, Finance, and Fund Raising.
5- How Do I Become a Member?
First, you may ask “Why?” Why should you become a member of the covenant? The answer has a lot to do with mutual accountability.
In God’s covenant with the people of Israel, He stated, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14). You can see that the people had some doing to do, and God had some doing to do, but the relationship was a public declaration, which meant that all members of the covenant could rely upon their mutual accountability for support in receiving the blessings of the covenant.
In a marriage covenant, the same public acknowledgement of mutuality provides strength to the couple’s intentions to have, hold, love and cherish each other.
Likewise, as a continuing worshipper who has not expressed publicly a desire to join in this covenant of faith, you have made no public commitment to the mutual accountability “with” others in their desire to be as Christ to one another.
In our church, the names of new members are announced from the pulpit, and then, a week later, they stand and recite the litany of the covenant, followed by the “right hand of fellowship”. It’s that easy.
In God’s covenant with the people of Israel, He stated, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14). You can see that the people had some doing to do, and God had some doing to do, but the relationship was a public declaration, which meant that all members of the covenant could rely upon their mutual accountability for support in receiving the blessings of the covenant.
In a marriage covenant, the same public acknowledgement of mutuality provides strength to the couple’s intentions to have, hold, love and cherish each other.
Likewise, as a continuing worshipper who has not expressed publicly a desire to join in this covenant of faith, you have made no public commitment to the mutual accountability “with” others in their desire to be as Christ to one another.
In our church, the names of new members are announced from the pulpit, and then, a week later, they stand and recite the litany of the covenant, followed by the “right hand of fellowship”. It’s that easy.
6 – Covenant
Thankful for God's everlasting mercy and for His great gift of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord, we covenant and agree together to see, to know, and to do His Holy Will, and to promote the triumph of our Savior's Kingdom over the world.
Heartily believing that the Scriptures were given by the inspiration of God, and that they are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for the instruction in righteousness, and also that Christian freedom requires that they be interpreted by individual judgment, we covenant together to accept the Bible as our supreme standard of faith and duty, and to recognize as Christians and worthy of our fellowship, all who devoutly love the Lord Jesus Christ and sustain a life of Christian piety as taught by the word of God.
Anxiously desiring that all differences which separate Christ's people may be removed, and that there may be one flock and one Shepherd, we covenant together to layside all distinctive and party names, and taking our title from the great Head of the Church, to be known simply and only as Christians.
Furthermore, realizing that the success of each church depends upon the consecration of its individual membership, we covenant together to attend the services of the church, to contribute according to our means to its support, to labor together to maintain its peace and harmony, and in every way promote its temporal and spiritual welfare; looking for our reward to the peace of God which surpasses all understanding and to the Crown of rejoicing laid up for all who love Christ's appearing.
Heartily believing that the Scriptures were given by the inspiration of God, and that they are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for the instruction in righteousness, and also that Christian freedom requires that they be interpreted by individual judgment, we covenant together to accept the Bible as our supreme standard of faith and duty, and to recognize as Christians and worthy of our fellowship, all who devoutly love the Lord Jesus Christ and sustain a life of Christian piety as taught by the word of God.
Anxiously desiring that all differences which separate Christ's people may be removed, and that there may be one flock and one Shepherd, we covenant together to layside all distinctive and party names, and taking our title from the great Head of the Church, to be known simply and only as Christians.
Furthermore, realizing that the success of each church depends upon the consecration of its individual membership, we covenant together to attend the services of the church, to contribute according to our means to its support, to labor together to maintain its peace and harmony, and in every way promote its temporal and spiritual welfare; looking for our reward to the peace of God which surpasses all understanding and to the Crown of rejoicing laid up for all who love Christ's appearing.
7 – Ritual of Membership
Introduction
Minister: In 1620 the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock and brought with them the idea that a congregation of believers ought to be able to rule themselves. That was the beginning of the "Congregational Way”.
For three hundred years, Congregationalists have held to the ideal of local congregations seeking the guidance of God themselves, without the dictates and oversight of magistrates or bishops.
Congregationalists are a covenant people, having no defined doctrinal statement other than the Bible itself. We believe that the Word of God is living and active and constantly ready to meet the needs of people every day. We have resisted the temptation to "boil down" the whole counsel of God into a few statements of dogma. Congregationalists are thus required to think about their own faith individually and to construct their own belief system and to respect the belief systems of others.
Each member of a Congregational Church is a minister along with all the other members. It is our desire to reach out to one another and to the world in the name of Christ with love, acceptance and support.
Invitation
Deacon: Dearly beloved, the Scriptures teach us that the Church is the household of God, the body of which Christ is the head. Among its privileges are incitements to Christian character from hearing God's word, sharing in Christ's commands, and the enjoyment of the blessings of the gospel. Seeking admission into this fellowship, the following persons come now to enter into solemn covenant with this church and with God. They will kindly come forward.
The Deacon calls forth the candidates by name and indicates whether they are joining by:
1. Letter of transfer (for those who have been active in another Christian church and feel led to transfer membership to this body of faith.)
2. Re-affirmation of faith (for those who have previously professed faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and joined a Christian church, but have become inactive in church involvement)
3. Affirmation of faith (for those who have never publicly professed their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord)
Litany of the Covenant
Minister: Do you confess that you are saved by the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ?
Candidates: I am thankful for God's everlasting mercy and for His great gift of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: We covenant and agree together to see, to know, and to do His Holy Will, and to promote the triumph of our Savior's Kingdom over the world.
Minister: Do you accept the authority of the Holy Bible?
Candidates: I heartily believe that the Scriptures were given by the inspiration of God, and that they are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for the instruction in righteousness, and also that Christian freedom requires that they be interpreted by my individual judgment.
All: We covenant together to accept the Bible as our supreme standard of faith and duty, and to recognize as Christians and worthy of our fellowship, all who devoutly love the Lord Jesus Christ and sustain a life of Christian piety as taught by the Word of God.
Minister: Are you willing to go forth known to the world as a Christian?
Candidates: I anxiously desire that all differences which separate Christ's people may be removed, and that there may be one flock and one Shepherd.
All: We covenant together to lay aside all distinctive and party names, and taking our title from the great Head of the Church, to be known simply and only as Christians.
Minister: Do you acknowledge that the success of each church depends upon the active support of its individual membership?
The Congregation stands.
All: We covenant together to attend the services of the church, to contribute according to our means to its support, to labor together to maintain its peace and harmony, and in every way promote it's temporal and spiritual welfare; Looking for our reward to the peace of God which surpasses all understanding and to the Crown of rejoicing laid up for all who love God's appearing.
Minister: In 1620 the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock and brought with them the idea that a congregation of believers ought to be able to rule themselves. That was the beginning of the "Congregational Way”.
For three hundred years, Congregationalists have held to the ideal of local congregations seeking the guidance of God themselves, without the dictates and oversight of magistrates or bishops.
Congregationalists are a covenant people, having no defined doctrinal statement other than the Bible itself. We believe that the Word of God is living and active and constantly ready to meet the needs of people every day. We have resisted the temptation to "boil down" the whole counsel of God into a few statements of dogma. Congregationalists are thus required to think about their own faith individually and to construct their own belief system and to respect the belief systems of others.
Each member of a Congregational Church is a minister along with all the other members. It is our desire to reach out to one another and to the world in the name of Christ with love, acceptance and support.
Invitation
Deacon: Dearly beloved, the Scriptures teach us that the Church is the household of God, the body of which Christ is the head. Among its privileges are incitements to Christian character from hearing God's word, sharing in Christ's commands, and the enjoyment of the blessings of the gospel. Seeking admission into this fellowship, the following persons come now to enter into solemn covenant with this church and with God. They will kindly come forward.
The Deacon calls forth the candidates by name and indicates whether they are joining by:
1. Letter of transfer (for those who have been active in another Christian church and feel led to transfer membership to this body of faith.)
2. Re-affirmation of faith (for those who have previously professed faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and joined a Christian church, but have become inactive in church involvement)
3. Affirmation of faith (for those who have never publicly professed their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord)
Litany of the Covenant
Minister: Do you confess that you are saved by the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ?
Candidates: I am thankful for God's everlasting mercy and for His great gift of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: We covenant and agree together to see, to know, and to do His Holy Will, and to promote the triumph of our Savior's Kingdom over the world.
Minister: Do you accept the authority of the Holy Bible?
Candidates: I heartily believe that the Scriptures were given by the inspiration of God, and that they are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for the instruction in righteousness, and also that Christian freedom requires that they be interpreted by my individual judgment.
All: We covenant together to accept the Bible as our supreme standard of faith and duty, and to recognize as Christians and worthy of our fellowship, all who devoutly love the Lord Jesus Christ and sustain a life of Christian piety as taught by the Word of God.
Minister: Are you willing to go forth known to the world as a Christian?
Candidates: I anxiously desire that all differences which separate Christ's people may be removed, and that there may be one flock and one Shepherd.
All: We covenant together to lay aside all distinctive and party names, and taking our title from the great Head of the Church, to be known simply and only as Christians.
Minister: Do you acknowledge that the success of each church depends upon the active support of its individual membership?
The Congregation stands.
All: We covenant together to attend the services of the church, to contribute according to our means to its support, to labor together to maintain its peace and harmony, and in every way promote it's temporal and spiritual welfare; Looking for our reward to the peace of God which surpasses all understanding and to the Crown of rejoicing laid up for all who love God's appearing.