The National Association of Congregational Christian Churches is the largest of the Congregational bodies that did not join the United Church of Christ in 1957.
The NACCC was formed in 1955 by former clergy and members of the Congregational Christian Churches due to that body's pending merger with the Evangelical and Reformed Church to form the UCC. With its headquarters in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, the NACCC has its largest concentrations in California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Churches in the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches are united for fellowship, inspiration, and counsel, but each local church is independent and autonomous, while the National Association serves in an advisory and helper role. Within the NACCC, there is no binding ecclesiastical authority, creed, or program. Each church is left to decide whether to participate in any social or political actions.
The NACCC belongs to the American Congregationalist tradition, with its origins in the English Puritan movement, and Calvinist influences. The churches that later affiliated with the NACCC participated in the 1931 merger with the General Convention of the Christian Church, forming the General Council of Congregational Christian Churches, leaving it in 1955 to avoid becoming part of the UCC.
Its opposition to the merger was centered in fears of a bureaucracy impinging on the historic freedom of the local church, the chief defining point of Congregationalism. Other issues included the fear of imposed creeds and confessions, as well as the ownership of church property in the event that a congregation later decided to withdraw from the UCC.
A major point of differentiation between the United Church of Christ and the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches is that the NACCC refuses to take political positions of any kind, although local churches within the denomination are free to do so if they wish.
Within the NACCC, congregations taking exception to any measure passed by the denomination's annual meeting may seek a referendum to veto the legislation, a practice not found in any other United States Protestant denomination.
Pastors are ordained by the local church rather than by a central body. Regional associations are purely for the purpose of fellowship and advice, having no authority over member churches, and churches can hold membership in the NACCC without belonging to a regional association. Each member congregation can send its clergy and a delegate to the NACCC annual meeting.
The NACCC does not participate in the National Council of Churches, the World Council of Churches, or the Consultation on Church Union.
The NACCC conducts widespread missionary work in the United States and around the world, being most active in Bulgaria, Ghana, Honduras, India, Kenya, Mexico, and Nigeria.
Recommended Resources
Center for Congregational Leadership
The ministry of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches is responsible for training leaders who are uniquely knowledgeable in Congregationalism and devoted to upholding the diversity of its congregations. A history and general information about Congregationalism are set forth, along with a NACCC church handbook, worship resources, resources for churches and leaders, advisory services, theological studies, and its lay ministry training program.
http://www.centerforcongregationalleadership.org/
Congregational Christian Council of Maine
Affiliated with the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches, the site represents member churches and clergy in Maine, both of which may be located through the site. The Council’s bylaws and minutes are posted, ministry opportunities are highlighted, and schedules of clergy gatherings and other events are included. Camp Winniauguamauk, in Brooksville, Maine, is introduced, and youth retreat schedules are posted.
http://www.cccme.org/
Congregational Church of Myanmar
CCM is a member church of the International Congregational Fellowship, one of the international missions of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches of the United States. Its history, constitution, and bylaws, and a statement of faith are published to the site, with information about Grace Children’s Summer Camp, its discipleship seminars, and other programs and projects. Several articles on various topics are included.
http://www.ccomy.org/
The official name for the church on Mackinac Island, Michigan is Union Congregational Church, a member of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches, the fieldstone church is also a registered Michigan historic site, as it has served the island community for more than a century. Its history, location, and staff are identified, and its policies on baptisms, weddings, and vow renewals are specified, with a calendar of events and contact data.
http://www.littlestonechurch.com/
Massachusetts Association of Congregational Christian Churches
The Massachusetts Association of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches represents a portion of the churches that continued to be Congregational when the majority merged with the United Church of Christ. An interactive map shows the location of member churches within the state, leading the corresponding local church websites. Schedules and general information about the denomination is put forth.
http://www.stillfaithful.org/
National Association of Congregational Christian Churches
Formed by former members of the Congregational Christian Churches, the NACCC is a voluntary association of autonomous churches in the Congregational tradition. Its organizational site gives a history and overview of the denomination, along with a directory of churches, missions, ministries, and programs. Also included are discussion forums, member information, and resources for members and others interested in the church.
http://www.naccc.org/
Established in 1849, The Congregationalist magazine is the official publication of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches. Published as a glossy print magazine and here, as a PDF file, in March, June, September, and December, the magazine is distributed to NACCC member churches, individuals, and families. Back issues are available here, as well, along with advertising information and submission guidelines.
http://www.congregationalist.org/
