Congregationalism
A Reformed tradition of self-governing congregations rooted in Puritanism.
Congregationalism is a Reformed (Calvinist) tradition of Protestant Christianity in which each local church governs itself independently and autonomously. Congregationalists were originally called Separatists or Independents in England to distinguish them from Presbyterians.
- tradition
- Reformed (Calvinist) Protestant
- polity
- Congregational (self-governing congregations)
- foundational_figures
- Robert Browne, Henry Barrowe, John Greenwood
- sacraments
- Baptism (including infant baptism) and the Lord's Supper
- global_presence
- United States, Argentina, Ireland, United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, various Pacific island nations
- estimated_share_of_worldwide_Protestants
- 0.5 percent (Pew Research Center)
Lore & Background
Congregationalism emerged from 16th-century Puritan efforts to complete the English Reformation. Early Congregationalists, known as Separatists or Independents, rejected the episcopal polity and formal liturgy of the Church of England. Other early figures included Henry Barrowe and John Greenwood, who faced persecution and exile.
Reader's Guide
Congregationalism's significance lies in its radical assertion of local church autonomy and the priesthood of all believers, which shaped both religious and political thought in the English-speaking world. In the United States, the Congregational model was carried by settlers from New England into New York, the Old Northwest, and beyond. The tradition has been spread globally by immigrant dissenters and missionary organizations such as the London Missionary Society. Congregationalism's legacy includes influential hymns such as 'When I Survey the Wondrous Cross' and 'Hark the Glad Sound,' and its polity continues in various evangelical Congregational churches affiliated with the World Evangelical Congregational Fellowship.
Did You Know?
- Congregationalists were originally called Separatists or Independents to distinguish them from Presbyterians.
- Congregationalists practice infant baptism and hold that there is no distinction between infant baptism and believer's baptism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Congregationalism?
Congregationalism is a Reformed (Calvinist) Protestant tradition in which every local church operates as a fully autonomous body. Its theological roots stretch back to 16th-century English Puritanism.
How does Congregationalist church governance work?
Rather than submitting to bishops or presbyteries, each congregation independently decides its own worship, membership, and doctrinal matters. This self-rule is the defining structural feature that sets it apart from episcopal and presbyterian systems.
What were Congregationalists originally called in England?
Before the label 'Congregationalist' became standard, these churches were known as Separatists or Independents to distinguish them from the Presbyterian model. Early figures such as Robert Browne, Henry Barrowe, and John Greenwood helped shape the movement.
What sacraments do Congregationalists observe?
The tradition recognizes two ordinances: Baptism, which may be administered to infants, and the Lord's Supper. No additional sacraments are included in its liturgical practice.
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