Statement of Congregationalism

Congregationalism traces its roots to the Bible. In the New Testament, people gathered to worship in houses. In the early years there was often only one congregation in a city. While the churches practiced mutual association and assistance among themselves, each congregation governed itself. The churches recognized the authority of the Apostles, but engaged in the twin principles of freedom and fellowship.

The Christian’s freedom is not for license but for service. As Peter writes in chapter 2, verse 16, of his letter, “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” The first gatherings of the church included fellowship as a vital part of Christian life: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Acts 2:42)

Congregationalism developed as a distinct expression of Protestantism during the 17th century. Some believers separated (hence the title “Separatists”) from the Church of England. The pilgrims on the Mayflower were Separatists. Other believers – “the Puritans” – worked to purify the English Church. After Puritans arrived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, they developed their own church government which became the largest expression of Congregationalism in the colonies and later, the United States.

In our day, individual freedom in matters of faith and conscience continue to be basic to Congregationalism. This freedom is linked with responsibility for the cultivation of Christian fellowship.

The local Church is subject to the Lord Jesus Christ as the Head of the Church. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the local church chooses its own pastor, elects its own officers, adopts its own constitution, and may adopt its own statement of faith and principles. The church recognizes that just as individual Christians are dependent upon each other in special ways, so are individual churches dependent upon each other for mutual association, assistance, and encouragement. Therefore, they join together in local fellowships and the national conference.

Through the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, the local Church promotes the common interests of the Kingdom of God.

 

Church History

The First Congregational Church of Eaton, Colorado was organized on February 26, 1886. The first minister was the Reverend J.W. King. The first house of worship was dedicated on July 27, 1890. Through the years, this church continued to bear witness to faith in God as Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit reveals it to human beings.

In 1896, Mr. Scott Young organized a Sunday school in the old Rowe House in the vicinity of Ault. On Sunday, April 7, 1901, the First Congregational Church of Ault was organized as the 75th Congregational Church in Colorado. The Reverend J.W. King became the first Pastor. In 1904, the new church building was dedicated. It was the first church between Eaton and Cheyenne.

Both churches have carried forward the struggle for freedom in matters of Christian belief and practice within the parameters of the historic Christian faith. These churches have blessed many lives through their fellowship in the Christian Way.

In the early 1960’s, both the Ault and Eaton churches voted to join the United Church of Christ. On January 10, 1973, the two churches entered into a yoking arrangement which was maintained until the two parishes became one with the adoption of a Constitution and bylaws on October 25, 1992. Between that date and the end of 1997, minor amendments were passed and included.

On February 8, 1998 - at its annual meeting – the First Congregational Church of Eaton/Ault voted 83-12 (including absentee ballots) to pass amendments that caused the church to leave the United Church of Christ and join the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.

On December 2, 2008, the First Congregational Church of Eaton/Ault voted unanimously to incorporate under new bylaws which establish an elder-led church government. The church remains dedicated to the task of creating mature believers, equipped for the work of ministry through the teaching and application of God’s Word to daily life – all so that they might glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

We exist to create a passion for the supremacy and glory of God in all things for the joy of all who will believe through Jesus Christ.