Congregationalism
/ˌkɑːŋɡrɪˈɡeɪʃənəlɪzəm/
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Self-governance
It highlights the autonomy of individual churches to make their own decisions. 
Their commitment to congregationalism means they vote on their own leadership.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Centralized
Emphasizes the absence of a higher church authority controlling local congregations. 
Under congregationalism, there's no bishop telling the community how to worship.
Pro Tip 3/3Protestant Context
Mainly used within Protestant Christianity, not applicable to other religions. 
Congregationalism set many Protestant churches apart from Catholicism's hierarchy.