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Originally Posted by Mayflower  Can anyone explain me what the differences is between Independency & Congregationalism ?
Is the polity or church goverment different, while they both independed ?
Any information would be very helpfull ! |
Every independent church is going to function differently, but the general distinction is between Congregationalism and Independent (Elder Rule) (sometimes known as Independent Presbyterian, or "bible church"). The question is whether the final authority lies with the congregation or with the elders.
Congregationalism (Savoy Declaration, New England Puritans, Baptists) is the belief that the ultimate authority lies with the congregation. Congregationalists emphasize the church as a community of believers who covenant together. Stanley Grenz's systematic, sees New England congregationalism, with their "halfway covenant," as theologically and historically leading towards the Baptist position, since if the church is primarily a community of covenanting believers, a profession of faith should be necessary to belong to that covenant of believers.
"Elder rule" is that the ultimate authority lies with the elders. This idea has different roots. There are a number of independent presbyterian churches in the U.S. that have not seen it fit to associate with other churches.
This is also the predominant church form of many dispensationalists such as those from Dallas Theological Seminary, Moody Bible Institute, Masters College and Seminary, and others. They usually call themselves non-denominational and often have "bible church" or "community church" in their name (although "community church" is also used by Congregationalists, Baptists, and even Presbyterians).
The advent of mega-churches has shifted churches from congregational to elder rule as well. While John Piper's large church still has congregational votes that involve thousands of people, most large churches find this unwieldy.
In practice, if done well, congregationalism and elder rule looks the same. The elders will brief and discuss decisions with the congregation, and the congregation will give input submit to the elders' guidance leadership. The small functional difference is that in congregationalism, the congregation will approve decisions proposed by the elders (often unanimously), and in elder rule, the elders will inform the congregation of their decisions after soliciting input. It is only when the congregation and the elders are at odds that the difference really comes into play.