PUTTING AN END TO WORSHIP WARS - Elmer Towns

This view of the church and ministry also looks to the description of the church in the
New Testament for its theological foundations. "The church is the Bride of Christ," explains one
pastor. "It is the goal of every bride to be a good WIFE," he continues. The acrostic WIFE
represents Worship, Instruction, Fellowship and Evangelism.
Worship is important in the Congregational Church though its importance may not be as
apparent as in a renewal congregation. The Sunday School/Sunday Morning Worship Service
combination often serves as the hub of all other ministries in the church. "Everyone who comes
to Sunday School should stay for worship," explains one pastor. Predictably he adds, "And every
one coming for worship should get here early enough for Sunday School."
Christian education is also an important element of this church. In the past, this was
largely accomplished through a traditional closely graded Sunday School. Today, churches
practice Christian education in a variety of forms. The educational ministries of a church may
include discipleship training groups, home Bible studies, training union, Awana or Pioneer clubs
for children, Ladies Bible Study/coffee hour and a host of similar offerings.
The Congregational Church likes to be perceived as a warm church where people can feel
"at home." Coffee pots are apparent as people gather for Bible study. Fellowship times are
planned to follow church services. Church suppers appear regularly on the church calendar.
Usually these suppers are not catered. Rather, each family brings food that is shared with others
during the meal.
Evangelism is also important to the Congregational Church. This church may not expect
people to be saved every week, but it should happen periodically over the course of a year.
Sometimes evangelism is tied to special church programs such as an outreach Bible study,
Vacation Bible school or special youth meeting.
Balance is a key word describing the ministry of the Congregational Church. This church
recognizes the same values as those identified by other worship styles, but conscientiously strives
not to emphasize one aspect of the ministry over another.
EXPECTATIONS AND ROLES IN THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
The pastor has a unique role within the Congregational Church. Without question, he is a
valued person in the minds of most church members, but he and his family are rarely allowed to
become part of the church fellowship. Pastors exist in the Congregational Church to provide
pastoral services. They are expected to conduct weddings and funerals, baptize converts and
preach sermons. It is assumed they will visit shut ins and accept invitations to have dinner with
various church families. Even when the relationship between pastor and parishioner is warm,
there is distance.
It is not uncommon for Congregational Churches to recycle their pastors every two to
three years. In the minds of church members, this is the norm. "Pastors come and go but lay
people build the church," explains one deacon in a Congregational Church. Members of
Congregational Churches expect to be involved in ministry. Indeed, pastors will find significant