congregational
UK: ˌkɒŋɡrɪˈɡeɪʃənl | US: ˌkɑːŋɡrɪˈɡeɪʃənl
adj. relating to a congregation, especially a church congregation
adj. pertaining to the Congregationalist tradition of Protestant Christianity
The word "congregational" traces back to Latin congregare (to gather together), combining con- (together) and gregare (to flock, from grex, meaning herd or flock). The suffix -ational forms an adjective, indicating a relational quality. Historically, it evolved to describe church gatherings (flocks of believers) and later became associated with the decentralized governance of Congregationalist churches, where each congregation operates independently.
The church follows a congregational model, allowing each local group to make its own decisions.
Congregational singing filled the hall during the Sunday service.
She studied the history of Congregationalist practices in colonial America.
The congregational meeting voted unanimously to support the new initiative.
His research focuses on congregational dynamics in multicultural communities.