Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations home > Full Communion Relationships > The Reformed Church in America > Decision Making

Understanding how our churches are structured enables effective ministry and decision-making. Understanding the differences between our structures will help avoid possible misunderstanding and tension as we seek to work together.

In both the Lutheran and Reformed traditions, the congregation is the arena where the Christian life is most clearly experienced. Here is where the Word is preached and the Sacraments are administered. Here is where the faithful gather to worship and to strengthen one another in the faith. Here is where the Word is studied and decisions are made about ministry within the local community. In our traditions the congregations call pastors, but usually there is some limitation through a regional structure about who can be called. None of our churches are "hierarchical" in any traditional sense of that term.

Lutherans appear to have a structure close to pre-Reformation days, even calling their regional leaders "bishops," but they give much more autonomy to laity and congregations than more hierarchical churches. John Calvin was a man of order and discipline, so while Reformed churches tend toward more congregational authority, their structures are clear and defined. The United Church of Christ, with a congregational tradition, probably entrusts the local congregation with the most authority. Presbyterians emphasize their sense of structure and order throughout the church.

While there are real differences of structure, all denominations are facing similar pressures and questions from the general society. Often the differences among members within a denomination seem more extreme than differences between denominations. Issues of biblical interpretation, social justice, sexual identity, economic distribution, and war can tear apart denominations and even congregations. How a denomination or congregation is structured will determine how decisions are made, even controversial ones.

Each denomination has a set of doctrinal expectations and standards for ordained clergy. Regional structures and congregations are expected to abide by certain standards or practices if they wish to remain a part of that denomination. Regional structures have certain coordinating and oversight responsibilities. While congregations are given a great deal of latitude, there are expectations and limitations upon them.

Congregation constitutions will usually express these freedoms, expectations and limitations clearly. Following "the money trail" may be a helpful way of examining where authority lies in your churches. How are budgets developed and approved? Who has authority to spend the money, and what are the limitations? Once a budget is established, how is accountability maintained?
Some congregations have both a "formal" (constitutional) and "informal" (local traditions or significant families or groups) structure. Knowing how decisions are really made is critical to understanding your congregation and its structure.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion:

1. What are your denomination's expectations of its congregations?
2. What are the responsibilities of your denomination and regional structure to your congregation?
3. How are decisions made in your congregation regarding:
   1. Budgets and finances? 
   2. Programs and ministry priorities? 
   3. Future goals and objectives? 
   4. Accountability?
4. How are major congregational crises resolved?
5. What are the "informal" structures of your congregation?
6. What intrigues you about your full communion congregation's structure?
7. What, if anything, might hinder future cooperation between your congregations?
8. How are the members of your congregation council or vestry selected, and what role do they play in the life of the congregation?
9. What role is expected of members who formerly served on your council or vestry?
10. Would it be constitutionally possible for a member from a full communion partner congregation to serve, if only with voice, on your congregation's council or vestry?

Other Resources:

• Model constitution for congregations, ELCA
• Book of Order, PCUSA
• Regional and Denominational constitutions

For Next Time:

• Make a list of issues you see facing your congregation in the next ten years.
• Make a list of issues you see facing your community in the next ten years.
• Gather and examine the latest census data for your community.
• Talk to three leaders of your community (political, educational, business, and/or social service) about needs in your community that might be met by your churches working together.

© Evangelical Lutheran Church in America | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Contact Us | ELCA Home |