Congregational: meaning, definitions and examples
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congregational
[ ˌkɒŋɡrɪˈɡeɪʃənl ]
religious context
Congregational refers to a style of church governance where individual congregations govern themselves independently. This form of church organization emphasizes the autonomy of local churches and the importance of community participation in decision-making.
Synonyms
community-based, independent, local.
Examples of usage
- The congregational model allows members to have a voice in church decisions.
- He attends a congregational church where every member's opinion matters.
- Congregational meetings are vital for planning church events.
Etymology
The word 'congregational' is derived from the late Latin 'congregationalis', which means 'pertaining to a gathering'. This term evolved from 'congregatio', meaning 'gathering or assembly', which in turn comes from 'congregare', a combination of 'con-' (together) and 'gregare' (to gather). Its usage began to take on specific religious connotations in the 16th century, particularly within the context of the Protestant Reformation, where congregational governance became a distinctive feature of certain denominations. Over time, the term has maintained its connection to the themes of community and self-governance within religious congregations.