Congregational Federation
The Congregational Federation:
A Brief History and Its Work in the UK
Essential Facts at a Glance
Origins and Development
The Congregational Federation represents a tradition of non-conformist Christianity rooted in the idea that each local church should govern itself independently with the guiding of the Holy Spirit. This approach emerged from the Puritan movement in the 16th and 17th centuries, advocating for self-governing congregations free from external control.
The Congregational Union had thousands of Congregational Churches in membership and led the way in many pioneering traditions. Some famous Congregationalists include Isaac Watts, David Livingstone and Eric Lidell.
After centuries of growth and occasional persecution, there was a desire to unite churches and form one tradition. Many Congregational churches in England and Wales merged with the Presbyterian Church in 1972 to form the United Reformed Church. However, hundreds of churches chose instead to retain their independence, forming the Congregational Federation that same year.
If you want to read more about this read Alan Argents books Transformation of Congregationalism available from the Congregational Federation website.
Structure and Principles
Belief
We believe in the God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Local Autonomy
Each church self-governs, selects its ministers, and manages its affairs.
Voluntary Association
Membership in the Federation is by choice, emphasising cooperation over compulsion.
Priesthood of All Believers
Every member is encouraged to participate fully in church life.
Respect for Diversity
Churches are free to express their faith in contextually appropriate ways.
Main Activities
Support
Offers pastoral care, guidance, leadership training, and resources to member churches.
Mission and Outreach
Promotes community projects, faith-sharing, and global partnerships – especially through the Council for World Mission.
Children and Young People
Supports the work of encouraging Sunday schools, youth events, and leadership development for young people and adults.
Safeguarding
The Congregational Federation encourages all their churches to have a Safeguarding Policy and works with them to bring this about.
Learning & Development
The Congregational Institute for Practical Theology is a key part of the Congregational Federation, delivering a series of local and national courses which help to equip local churches and individuals for service within church settings and beyond.
Social Justice
Engages in issues like poverty, equality, and the environment.
Ecumenical Work
Collaborates with other denominations and faiths, promoting unity and dialogue.
Gatherings
Hosts annual assemblies and regional meetings for worship and shared learning.
Today
Though modest in size, the Congregational Federation continues to champion local church independence and practical service, adapting its work to meet modern challenges while remaining committed to its founding values.
The Congregational Federation was formed in 1972. Its purpose is to keep Congregational churches in England and Wales connected and encourage fellowship with its primary objective as the Advancement of the Christian Faith.
In 1995 the Scottish Congregational Churches also started to join to us and there are over 200 Congregational churches affiliated to the CF in England, Scotland and Wales.
The Congregational Federation are actively seeking new independent churches to be accredited. Accreditation is made up of a nominal church fee and a small individual membership fee. There are lots of benefits to membership.
The offices are in Nottingham and there is a small staff team whose aim it is to support, advise and guide the Congregational churches in everyday matters. The staff team is led by the General Secretary who is the Ambassador and has overall responsibility for the organisation.
The staff team and their roles include:
Trust and Property Manager
Supports churches with custodial trusteeship and legal matters
Property and Church Support Officer
Supports churches with property matters and active mission including eco and crafts. Also has input and editing of CF publications.
Learning and Development Administrator
Supports the work of the Manager and supports students
Website and Social Media Officer
Manages the website and all social media campaigns
www.congregational.org.uk
www.theresourcehub.co.uk
Facebook and X
Church Support Officer
Supports churches with mission and grants this includes overseas missions’ trips and local outreach.
Learning and Development Manager
Supports all learning initiatives including managing the Congregational Institute of Practical Theology
Safeguarding Officer
Facilitates the Safeguarding process for churches having a certificate, organising training and manages the accreditation process
Finance Team (Financial Controller, Assistant Financial Controller and Finance Officer
All work to support CF projects, manage accounts, pay bills, manage payroll and investments for churches.
The Congregational Federation has numerous Boards, Groups and Committees
The Investment Board which feeds into the Finance and Support Services Committee
The Inter Church Board and the Accreditation and Pastoral Care Coordinators Group which both report to the Church Support Committee.
Boards, Groups and Committees are made up of representatives from each of the 3 nations
2 from Scotland
2 from Wales and
1 from each of the English areas
The Committees both report to Council which is CF governance body who are also made up of representatives as the committee structure.
Council have ultimate responsibility for the Congregational Federation
The Congregational Federation churches appoint a President each year who promote a theme and visit churches to encourage their work. Presidents are inducted at the Congregational Federation annual gathering which is usually held on the second Saturday in May. The venue moves around each year to encourage lots of members to attend and so travel is not always as far.
The Congregational Federation produce a magazine publication called Refresh which is independently edited and contains a variety of stories and testimonies from inside and outside the CF.
The Congregational Federation also produce monthly newsletters with news and information one with a general focus called Intouch and one with a youth and children’s focus called Inform.
The Congregational Federation also run the Congregational Institute Practical Theology which is a training programme which encourages anyone in the Congregational Federation or indeed outside to be part of. Students can gain a Level 4 Diploma in Practical Theology accredited by York St John University.
The Congregational Federation is a member of National Ecumenical groupings including
Churches Together in Britain and Ireland
Churches Together in England
Cytun (Churches Together in Wales
Churches Together in Scotland
CF is also a valued member of the Free Church Group and the Free Churches Group in Wales
Council for World Mission CWM
United Board
World day of prayer
The Congregation Federation also work with Congregational Insurance every year to present the Serving the Community Awards.
The Congregational Federation never speak on behalf of their churches and only work to support.
Independent and connected.