About Congregationalism

North Church follows Congregational principles, which include:

• Congregational churches are organized around a covenant. North Church's central organizing principle is our covenant.  Our members accept this covenant as a guide in their lives and the life of the Church.
• Members of Congregational Christian Churches are followers of Jesus Christ.  This is our statement of faith; we do not follow creeds or dogma set by outside authority.
• In God’s eyes, all of the faithful are spiritual equals.  This core belief of equality is incorporated in the Articles and Bylaws of the Church by giving members voting rights and privileges. Individual members have a responsibility to participate in the decision-making process of the Church. Church members, gathered under Christ, seek the will of God through prayer, discussion and democratic process.
• Congregationalists recognize two sacraments only: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
• The Church is comprised of individuals who voluntarily accept the covenant of the Church.
• Every church is complete under Christ with the authority to administer its own affairs as it seeks to be faithful to Christ. 
• Through its membership, Christ endows the church with ecclesiastical authority, including the right to choose its own minister, the ability to own and sell its own property, the authority to determine corporate rules, and the acceptance of new members.  North Church's congregation makes the major decisions in the administration and life of the Church, in accordance with democratic principles set forth in our by-laws.
• The ability for each member to exercise their rights and responsibilities in the church is assured by a process of democratic decision-making and structure of representative boards, committees and teams.

You can learn more about Congregationalism on the web page of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches.