Congregational Spirit

In a Congregational Church, a Congregational dynamic is a precious and sensitive thing. A true Congregational spirit can be quashed easier than one may think -- and this will always be through individuals who do not act in a Congregational spirit -- rather than merely abiding by the rules, which in themselves cannot preserve the spirit. In such a case, it is usually the Elders who seek to restore the balance -- and they may themselves then be suspected of acting un-Congregationally. However, if they do not act, Congregationalism may be lost. OBSERVATION: These are not merely personal thoughts, but Congregational polity. Perhaps more on the "Congregational spirit" in a future post.