tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17617194.post1189053435823047613..comments2024-03-07T06:52:34.516+00:00Comments on Exiled Preacher: Independency and Congregationalism: what's the difference?Guy Davieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184743462264437085noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17617194.post-5607699992227330392009-03-29T04:25:00.000+01:002009-03-29T04:25:00.000+01:00I agree that the two are distinct. Classic Congre...I agree that the two are distinct. Classic Congregationalism, as I understand it, eschewed the stigma of independency. The Cambridge Platform (1648) states, "the term Independent we approve not." And on closer examination of their writings and practice, they very much operated on a recognition of the unity and catholicity of the Church. The Platform's teaching on synods is quite strong in my opinion, though it denies to synods a judicial power over the churches.<BR/><BR/>Good point on their view of the authority of the eldership. Classic congregationalism was hardly a bald democracy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17617194.post-28384052099288648992009-03-27T10:19:00.000+00:002009-03-27T10:19:00.000+00:00In classic Congregationalist polity as expressed b...In classic Congregationalist polity as expressed by John Owen, the elders lead with the consent of the members. There is no necessary contradiction between elders leading the church and the members consenting to the proposals of the elders by a vote in the church meeting. <BR/><BR/>The two churches are independent!Guy Davieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09184743462264437085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17617194.post-46121453527941457802009-03-27T10:09:00.000+00:002009-03-27T10:09:00.000+00:00So what do you call most evangelical churches wher...So what do you call most evangelical churches where much, if not all, is decided by the vote of members rather than elders, and which may not even had elders?<BR/><BR/>I've tended to call them congregational whilst reserving independent for churches that have elders to do the ruling.<BR/><BR/>In Christ,<BR/><BR/>James Horgan.<BR/><BR/>PS So how connected are the two churches you pastor? ;)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com