Church Organization and the Diaconate

Claremont Congregational Church is a member of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa. Although a member of the UCCSA our church is independent and is entitled to manage its own affairs, determine its own forms of worship, and call its own minister. The officers of a Congregational church are usually a minister, a diaconate, a church secretary and a treasurer.

As suggested by the name, the Congregational Church is governed primarily by the congregation. At present the congregation meet three times a year - an Annual Meeting taking place before the end of March, and two General Meetings taking place in July and November. Deacons are elected by the membership at the Annual Church Meeting to assist the minister in the administration of the church and also to share with him in pastoral care. Deacons are elected for a period of three years. One third of the Deacons retire each year in rotation. At present there are fifteen Deacons.