The Conservative Congregational Christian Conference was formed in 1945 by conservative Congregationalists who rejected the liberal theological tendencies that were developing in the larger Congregational fellowship.
Upon separating from the Congregational Christian Churches, the group first organized as the Conservative Congregational Christian Fellowship, then established itself as the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference in 1948, one of the two major Congregational bodies that broke off from the main denomination in the years leading up to the merger of the Congregational Christian Church and the Evangelical and Reformed Church, forming the United Church of Christ. The pastors and congregations that formed the CCCC believed that the Congregational Christian Church was abandoning historic Congregationalist beliefs, practices, and policies.
The CCCC is theologically conservative and evangelical, holding to traditional Protestant tenets, and the inerrancy and authority of the Scriptures as a guiding principle in interpretation. The CCCC believes in the Trinity, as well as the deity, virgin birth, sinlessness, atoning death, resurrection, ascension, and anticipated Second Coming of Christ. The denomination holds to the concept of regeneration by the Holy Spirit, the resurrection of both the saved and lost, their subsequent judgment, and the spiritual unity of believers.
Member churches of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference are largely autonomous. The Conference admits churches regardless of origin and includes member churches, not only from Congregational traditions, but also from Evangelical and Reformed, Baptist, and previously non-denominational congregations. Its growth has been mostly from acquisitions rather than newly formed congregations.
Local churches within the Conference have autonomy in matters that are not specifically addressed in its Statement of Faith. Speaking to this issue, its motto is, "In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty, and in all things, love."
The basic unit of the CCCC is the local church, but congregations and pastors agree to voluntarily associate with other churches within the denomination, forming regional associations, which are established throughout the United States. The work of the Conference is mostly in the area of missions, church planting, education, and missions. To this end, the Conference operates foreign missions agencies, colleges, seminaries, and publishing houses.
Its membership is strongest in Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and the Midwest.
Recommended Resources
Conservative Congregational Christian Conference
The CCCC has its origins in the Conservative Congregation Christian Fellowship, which was formed by churches and pastors who left the Congregational Christian Churches in disagreement with what they viewed as a liberal direction by the denomination, forming the CCCC in 1948. A statement of faith is set forth, along with its position papers, officers, staff, and board of directors. Its church development and multiplication services are discussed.
http://www.ccccusa.com/
Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, Northern Illinois Fellowship
Member churches are concentrated in the greater Chicago region, and west and southwest, affiliated with the CCCC, a theologically conservative denomination, Its geographical area, scope, and member congregations are highlighted, including photographs, addresses, and contacts. The constitution of the Northern Illinois Fellowship is posted, and its ministries are outlined. Links to other regional associations and affiliated programs are included.
http://www.nifcccc.org/
Eastern Pennsylvania Congregational Fellowship
The Fellowship is an association of churches, pastors, missionaries, chaplains, and other ministers in the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, located largely in eastern Pennsylvania and the greater Philadelphia region. Member churches and pastors are introduced, including addresses, contacts, and web addresses, when applicable. Other resources include a calendar of upcoming events and administrative contacts.
https://easternpa4c.wordpress.com/
The Association consists of Ohio churches associated with the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference. Member churches are listed and pictured, with web addresses, physical addresses, service schedules, and contacts. Its constitution, minutes, and officers are listed, a photo gallery is included, and its ministries and services are posted to the site. Other resources related to Congregationalism and evangelism are included.
http://ccccohio.org/
Upper Midwest Congregational Fellowship
Comprised of churches affiliated with the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference in Minnesota, eastern South Dakota, and western Wisconsin. Member churches are pictured, with addresses, telephone numbers, web addresses, and schedules. Other resources include a calendar of upcoming programs and events, a photo gallery of past events, administrative contacts, and links to associated resources.
http://www.umcfellowship.org/
