The aim of the Reformed tradition is to ensure the authentic teaching of the Word takes place. They are essentially congregational in ecclesiology but their churches take council together to decide matters of faith and order.
This approach is sometimes known as conciliar. However, I have chosen not to use this word to describe the reformed tradition because it has a wider meaning. For example, congregationalist churches meet in councils, although their deliberations are not binding on the local churches and the councils themselves are optional. Also, ecumenical conversations often take place in councils of churches and so can be understood to be essentially conciliar.
The Presbyterians first developed this approach and have passed it on to other congregationalist churches. Consequently, the United Reformed Church (URC) in Britain, although it has a strong congregational element, is firmly in the reformed tradition.
In the Reformed tradition, there is still a strong tradition of suspicion of hierarchies of clergy. In terms of church governance, the ministers play an equal role with lay people. So, elders are ordained into their positions in the local church, and provide leadership alongside the minister.
Similarly, URC councils are moderated and the moderator is deliberately seen as a temporary role, church leadership is not something taken up for life.
The Reformed churches have shown a consistent commitment to ecumenism. The URC when it was formed from congregationalist and presbyterian churches in 1872, saw its future as further joining together with other churches. It is therefore both a united and a uniting church.
Disclaimer: My aim in these accounts of ecclesiology is to paint a positive overall picture, although I may from time to time touch upon problems and issues. I am not an expert in this field and may make some mistakes. I welcome any comments that will help me present a clearer and more accurate picture. Please note I am not aiming for an in-depth analysis at this stage.
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