UCC Polity Page 1 of 4 A-47 One of Webster's definitions of polity action of the Holy Spirit in the life bishop, elder, deacon and pastor are government. is “a specific form of church govern- of the individual believer, and the instruments through which the The United Church of Christ is on ment.” It is the cloth which binds the activity of the Spirit in the life of the tradition is honored and nurtured its administrative side, Episcopal; on churches together in a denomination church? and through which the Holy Spirit its legislative side, Presbyterian; and and varies in style and design with • How does God speak to us through speaks, moves and leads. Authority on its judicial side, congregational. each denomination. Polity is the one another, and how are we resides in the office. The statement “on its manner in which a denomination prepared to listen? Presbyterian polity is based on administrative side, Episcopal” governs and administers its life and A second theological issue related convictions about the value of recognizes that leaders have been relationships among the individuals, to polity decisions has to do with associations of churches, and church chosen and authorized to act on behalf churches and groups within it. human freedom and sinfulness. Polity councils. This is a representative of the church in certain matters. An questions related to this understanding form of church government in example of this is often seen in the include: which delegates or representatives office of the conference minister. History and • Recognizing the presence of human from local churches gather to Conference ministers are the chief sin, is the individual Christian more discern the mind of Christ. executives or administrative officers Background or less competent than a group of Proponents of this form of polity of the 39 conferences of the United What churches believe about the Christians to discern the mind of believe that in such a gathering the Church of Christ. In this role they nature of the church, its relation to Christ? group, led by the Holy Spirit, can provide leadership to the churches in God and its purpose in the world • Should the freedom of the take action and make decisions. their mission and ministry, and they largely influences how they organize individual be preserved in all Gathered in such meetings, the guide policy formation, program and govern themselves. matters of faith and practice? representatives are seen as full development and program There are two or three basic theo- • Churches are described as having expressions of the church. As such, implementation in their conferences. logical issues that are at the heart of congregational polity, Episcopal their actions and decisions do not They also exercise pastoral oversight polity decisions. One of these is the polity or Presbyterian polity. While need to be affirmed or approved by for the ordained ministers and understanding of the freedom of God there are complex meanings of these the local churches for them to be churches in their conferences. As is and the free movement of the Holy terms, there are also simple valid expressions of the church. true of pastors of local churches, they Spirit. Polity questions related to this distinctions. Congregational polity are looked to for their wisdom and understanding include: affirms the freedom of the guidance in matters of faith and order. • What form of church government, individual in all matters of faith and Polity in the United “On its legislative side, structure and organization is most practice. It affirms the freedom of Church of Christ Presbyterian” recognizes that some responsive to the leading of the Holy the local church to govern its own decisions are made by representatives While it is possible for some denomi- Spirit? affairs apart from the control of in called meetings of associations, of nations to identify their polity as one • What makes church government, regional church councils or conferences and of the General Synod. of the three types just described, the structure and organization un- associations of churches. Supporters These decisions determine how the United Church of Christ is not able to responsive, or a hindrance to the of congregational polity can recount different parts of the United Church of do this. One of the creative movement of the Holy Spirit? periods in church history when Christ will be together, how they will dimensions of the United Church of • How can church government, God's freedom was threatened by an together engage in mission and Christ is its blending of aspects of structure and organization maintain a ecclesiastical order supported by ministry and how they will order their each of the types of polities. healthy tension between its valued governmental power. They seek to lives and relationships. The United Douglas Horton, writing in Reform tradition and its ability to be flexible prevent this from occurring again. Church of Christ values these settings and Renewal (page 38), describes and take risks in new directions? Episcopal polity is based on as gatherings where the mind of Christ United Church of Christ polity in • Is there a way to understand and convictions about the office of can be discerned. In most cases, parallel terms to the branches of civil make the distinction between the leaders in the church. The offices of delegates to these meetings do not go UCC Polity Page 2 of 4 A-47 instructed by their local church as to local church.” ways the life of your local church is geographic boundaries, coordinate how to vote on particular measures. The covenant partnership preserves influenced, enriched and related by programs, aid and counsel churches Rather, they are free to follow the these concepts: other settings of the church. and clergy, help in placement of leading of the Holy Spirit. • Christ as Head of the church. Local churches join in covenant clergy and provide services such as “On its judicial side, • The priesthood of all believers. partnership with one another and with workshops and camping programs. congregational” recognizes that the • The autonomy of the local church. the association, conference and They are self-governing and each has local church does not relinquish its • Covenant among members creating national settings of the denomination a chief executive officer, the own authority to decide about its own a caring, sharing, accountable in order to be faithful and obedient to conference minister. life. The Constitution of the United fellowship. the gospel of Jesus Christ. The The General Synod includes more Church of Christ states that “The • Ordained ministers and churches purpose of partnership is to be than 700 representatives who meet autonomy of the local church is bound in covenanted relationships. effective and faithful in the mission every two years. It sets policies and inherent and modifiable only by its You probably identify yourself with given to the church. This is always the adopts a budget for work carried on by own action”... The General Synod, the local church where you have your question to ask of polity the national settings of the church. It conferences, associations, the General membership. Your church may be arrangements: Do they contribute to elects national officers and an Minister and President of the United large or small, rich or poor, rural or increased obedience, faithfulness and Executive Council, as well as most of Church of Christ, or its conference urban, liberal or conservative. effectiveness in being the church in the Boards of other national ministers cannot decide for the local Whatever its size or shape, your the world on behalf of the gospel and ministries. church. church makes its own decisions about mission of Jesus Christ? Programs on behalf of the church One of the best descriptions of worship, creed, membership, mission, In the United Church of Christ, are carried on by your church, the United Church of Christ polity is to finances and leadership. But your churches covenant as partners in: association of churches and clergy call it a dynamic “partnership church does not lead its life in a • Associations--regional gatherings around you, your conference and the covenant.” Partnership covenant vacuum. Members participate in the of churches. General Synod, through national values the commitment the parts of the life of your conference or association, • Conferences--39 larger regional bodies. These bodies include the United Church of Christ have made to and study the actions of your gatherings of churches, many Covenanted, Affiliated, and one another to live together, to work conference, your association, and the including all United Church of Associated Ministries, Councils, and together in behalf of the mission and General Synod. Your church uses Christ churches in a state. others. ministry of Jesus Christ in the world, resources prepared by the national • General Synod--a national When these groupings to support one another and to call one bodies of the United Church of Christ. gathering of representatives from communicate with each other—which another to accountability. It You may be led by a pastor prepared conferences. is frequent—the message never is recognizes that while no one part of in a United Church of Christ seminary Associations provide the avenue by “you must, because we say so.” the church can decide for any other and ordained by a United Church of which local churches are associated Rather, the message is, “because we part, we are bound continually to Christ association. Your church has with the United Church of Christ. (In are all part of one church seeking to listen to one another, to take one called a pastor who has been granted some places the conference serves as serve Christ, we need to take seriously another with great seriousness and to ordained ministerial standing in a the association).