70%
Confidence
Belief overview
Congregational government
The assembly of the church participates in relevant decision making.
2
Supportive
0
Contrary
2
Neutral
What it is: Congregational government means that the gathered membership participates in important decisions of the church's life.
How the tradition understands it: The congregation usually votes on reception and exclusion of members, election of leaders, budget, discipline, and pastoral calls, although in different degrees of formality.
Basis and context: This model developed together with the valuation of the priesthood of believers and the responsibility of the local community.
Debates and variations: Some churches are very assembly-like; others function with strong pastoral leadership and more limited congregational participation.
Documentary evidence
Supportive
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
The church as one body with many members.
Reference: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.
Content: Paul describes the community as one body with many members and functions.
Use in debate: It is useful for cooperation, congregational participation, and mutual service.
1 Corinthians 14:40
Everything should be done decently and in order.
Reference: 1 Corinthians 14:40.
Content: The verse recommends order and decency in worship and communal life.
Use in debate: It is frequently cited in defense of responsible congregational government and orderly worship.
Neutral
Acts 15
The apostolic council as a reference for deliberation and cooperation among communities.
Reference: Acts 15.
Content: The text shows leaders and community deliberating over an important doctrinal and practical question.
Use in debate: It is used to think about cooperation among churches without canceling local responsibility.
Matthew 18:15-17
An important passage for communal discipline.
Reference: Matthew 18:15-17.
Content: Jesus describes a process of confrontation and treatment of faults within the community.
Use in debate: It is one of the fundamental texts for Baptist church discipline.