Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Of or relating to a Congregational church: Pertaining to a Protestant Christian denomination that emphasizes the autonomy and self-governance of each local congregation.
   • Relating to or involving a congregation: Concerning the members of a church or other religious assembly gathered for worship or a shared activity.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The church's congregational polity allows each local church to manage its own affairs.
  • We enjoyed the congregational singing during the service.

Advanced Usage

• Congregational autonomy: The principle that each local church congregation has the right to govern itself independently.
  • The denomination is known for its strong belief in congregational autonomy.

Variants and Related Words

• Congregation (n): A group of people assembled for religious worship, or the members of a specific church.
  • The pastor addressed the entire congregation.
• Congregationalist (n/adj): (A member) of a Congregational church.
  • She comes from a Congregationalist background.

Synonyms

• Parish-based: Relating to a local church community.
• Assembled: Gathered together as a group (for a specific purpose, often religious).

Related Phrases

• Congregational meeting: A formal gathering of the members of a local church to discuss and decide on church matters.
  • The budget was approved at the annual congregational meeting.
• Congregational prayer: A prayer spoken in unison by the entire gathering of worshippers.
  • The service began with a moment of congregational prayer.

Adjective

1. of or pertaining to or characteristic of a Congregational church
2. relating to or conducted or participated in by a congregation
   • congregational membership
   • congregational singing