Church Organization

 
 

First Congregational United Church of Christ is a congregation that has authority over its own business. We are part of the United Church of Christ – a national denomination. The UCC has a statewide organization called the Wisconsin Conference. We are also part of a regional group known as the Southeast Wisconsin Association. While we have close relationships with the regional, state and national levels of our denomination, and work closely with them in many ways, we are an independent entity.
 
First Congregational has a congregational form of government.  That means all major issues coming before the church, such as calling a pastor, buying or improving property, the election of officers and board members, and the approval of the annual budget, are voted on by the congregation sitting as a governing body. In order to carry out the work of the church between times of congregational meetings the work of the church is organized and coordinated through the Church Council. In addition, there are three officers of the congregation: the Moderator, the Treasurer and the Clerk. Church members are nominated and elected to Ministry Area Coordinators (MACs) or these officer positions for two and three year terms.Board members are typically elected in alternating classes with half the board elected each year to help assure continuity. First Congregational is legally organized as a not-for-profit and legal document governing the church is its Bylaws.
 
The Church Council reviews and coordinates the overall program of the congregation and acts on behalf of the congregation in matters that do not require a congregational vote. Meetings of the Church Council are open to all members of the congregation.