The Evangelical Congregational Church was formed in 1894, and again in 1928, although its roots go back to the early 1800s.
The denomination traces its origins to the teachings of Jacob Albright, a German Pietist and Methodist evangelist in Pennsylvania. The first meetings of the group were in 1803, and although Albright died in 1808, the group was organized as the Evangelical Association in 1816.
A portion of the association split in 1891, forming the United Evangelical Church. They reunited a couple of years later, becoming the Evangelical Church, which merged with the United Brethren Church to become the Evangelical United Brethren Church.
Some congregations in the Ohio River Valley region objected to the merger and departed. those who chose not to reunite organized as the Evangelical Congregational Church in 1928. Its name is a reference to its organizational structure and is not related to the larger Congregational body.
The Evangelical Congregational Church uses a Methodist form of church government but is Arminian in doctrine. The denomination emphasizes the inspiration and integrity of the Bible and the fellowship of all believers in Christ. Its core values are listed as a Passion for Christ, Compassion for the Lost, Servant Leadership, Healthy Ministries, and United in the Body of Christ.
The Evangelical Congregational Church was formed through four streams of influence, including evangelism, pietism, holiness, and congregationalism.
Local congregations own their own property, determine their own membership, manage their own affairs, and choose their ecclesiastical affiliation, but they do not call their own ministers. A National Conference supervises ministers of the body. A stationing body, made up of the bishop and conference ministers, assigns pastors to churches. The Global Ministries Commission supervises the denomination's missionary programs.
The denominational headquarters, the Evangelical Theological Seminary, and the New Dawn Christian Community Services are based in Myerstown, Pennsylvania.
Recommended Resources
Organized in the 1940s, the camp moved onto its own property in the late 1950s. Its history, mission, values, and vision are published, along with a calendar of events, conference updates, directions, and a schedule of summer camps and retreats. Affiliated with the Evangelical Congregational Church, guidelines for campers and parents are put forth, along with its camp rental policies, partnerships, and contacts.
http://www.campecco.org/
Evangelical Congregational Church
Unaffiliated with the United Church of Christ or the Congregationalist churches, the ECC has its roots in an association of Pennsylvania churches known as the Evangelical Association, organized in the late 1700s, with a basis in evangelism, pietism, holiness, and congregationalism. Its organizational site describes the denomination and leadership, includes a directory of districts and churches, and provides other resources for members and others.
http://www.eccenter.com/
Situated on a 12-acre campus in Myerstown, Pennsylvania, the graduate school and interdenominational seminary is affiliated with the Evangelical Congregational Church. Its admissions policies, tuition and fees, scholarship program, and alumni programs are highlighted, along with its associated Pense Learning Center, its counseling centers, career opportunities, contacts, and a blog.
https://evangelical.edu/
Founded in 1901, the camp meeting of the Evangelical Congregational Church is featured, including its history, schedules, speakers, Bible study leaders, missionary focus, spiritual directors, and music. Its programs for children and youth, the ladies auxiliary programs, meals, and accommodations are detailed. A calendar of projects and events and administrative contacts are posted.
http://www.herndoncampmeeting.org/
Located east of Dixon, Illinois, the camp is associated with the Evangelical Covenant Church. Offering weekday camps and weekend retreats for churches, Christian schools, and ministry organizations, camp programs are available May through October. A profile of the camp and its facilities is set forth, along with a calendar of programs and events, a schedule of camps and retreats, photographs, staff applications, and camper registrations.
http://rockriverbiblecamp.org/
Twin Pines Camp, Conference & Retreat Center
Situated in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, the 205-acre camp has served the Evangelical Congregational Church since its early days. A history and profile of the facilities are put forth, along with a photo gallery, schedule and details of its summer camp programs, and a calendar of conferences and special events. Staff opportunities and a downloadable application form are available.
https://www.twinpines.org/
