Congregationalism

/ˌkɑnɡrɪˈɡeɪʃənəˌlɪzəm/ noun

Definition

A Protestant religious belief system where each local church is independent and governed by its own congregation of believers rather than by a central authority.

Etymology

From 'Congregational' (a church type) plus the suffix '-ism' (a system or practice), originating from 16th-century Protestant Reform movements.

Kelly Says

Congregationalism is so interesting because it grew out of the idea that each local church community should have power, not distant church leaders—it literally put power in the hands of people gathered together.

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