The name "congregational" generally describes its preferred organizational style, which promotes local church autonomy and ownership, while fostering fellowship and accountability between churches at the national level. The 4Cs is led by a National Board of Directors, representing different areas of the country and coordinated by the Chairman and the National Pastor who give spiritual oversight to the broader Church. The denomination meets annually at a National Conference, which confirms a new location for the following year.
Historical roots
The roots of Congregational Christianity can be traced back to the Protestant Reformation in England. Congregational Churches were established in the New World by non-Conformist Christians, some of these arriving out of roots in New England. The revivals of the Great Awakening significantly contributed to the spread of congregational style and ministry all over the North American continent. Globally, Congregational ministry and missionaries spread to places like Hawaii and much of the south Pacific.
Canadian hiatus
As a name and evangelical movement in Canada, Congregationalism was probably better known in the 19th century, but many Congregational churches voted to join with Methodists and a majority of Presbyterians to form the United Church of Canada in 1925. As a direct consequence, the term "Congregational Church" fell into disuse, and virtually disappeared in Canada. A remnant of churches still congregational in polity were concentrated in Southern Ontario, and were known as the "Ontario Christian Churches". These churches affiliated with the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference in the United States in 1965, but retained their independence as a separate conference.
Recent history and opposition to theological liberalism
In response to the growing theological liberalism of the United Church of Canada, and following its 1988 decision to ordain non-celibate gay people to the ministry, a group of conscientious objectors left the denomination and began looking for ways in which to cultivate their evangelical Christian faith, and to affiliate with others of like mind. This group became aware of the Ontario Christian Churches, and began the process of joining with them. Out of these discussions, a new organization was formed: the Congregational Christian Churches in Canada.
Current situation
The 4Cs represent a family of about 60 evangelical churches across Canada, each one committed to living out the Biblical witness of Jesus Christ — His Great Commands and Great Commission — in the power of the Holy Spirit. The 4Cs is a member of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. Its congregations have a strong desire to present and represent Jesus to willing listeners, to pray for revival, to foster caring in both global and local mission projects, and to work hand-in-hand with committed Christians of other denominations. The 4Cs are willing to incorporate community churches who may be looking for affiliation, and can provide both a national network and healthy accountability for member churches. Its congregations are varied in worship style, and in local focus, but all share a common commitment to Biblical faith and creed, and a commitment to fostering interdependence in fellowship with one another. The 4Cs' vision statement is: "Proclaiming Jesus Christ. Making Disciples. Building Healthy Churches."
