What’s a federated church?
May 22, 2025
By Rev. Rick King
Last week’s TAB contained news of a great leap forward in our merger process with New Life Presbyterian Church: The Merger Steering Committee has drafted a Plan of Merger which was brought to our Executive Board at its monthly meeting Tuesday night and will go before New Life’s Session at its meeting on May 27. The governing bodies will vote on it June 17 and 24 respectively.
Once the plan has cleared that hurdle, it will go to both congregations for a vote on July 13. Details were emailed May 14 to the TAB mailing list, and you can also read more on the FHC website.
The vote will be to become what’s called a “federated church,” a type of union in which two or more congregations belonging to different denominations unite under a single local church entity.
In the Minnesota Conference, and the United Church of Christ generally, federated churches stand as remarkable examples of unity and collaboration. These congregations, formed from the union of two or more denominations, are regular reminders that despite diverse traditions and practices, our faith remains rooted in the same divine love and purpose.
Fully 17 percent of churches in the UCC’s Minnesota Conference are multiply affiliated, and the majority are federated. A federated church is a single local church formed by merging two or more distinct denominational congregations. In contrast, a yoked church involves two or more separate congregations sharing a pastor, but otherwise maintaining their individual structures, identities, and governing bodies.
The most common mainline Protestant unions of this type are UCC and Presbyterian Church (USA). In the Minnesota Conference, the federated churches are Macalester Plymouth and Cherokee Park in St. Paul, Associated Church in Owatonna, and Federated Church in Fergus Falls. There are also UCC-United Methodist federated churches in Morris, Little Falls, and Glenwood. United Church of Mapleton is UCC and American Baptist.
Federated churches emerged out of a desire to pool resources and strengthen bonds among denominations. The concept gained momentum during the 20th century, particularly in places where congregations faced challenges such as dwindling membership, financial constraints, or the need for reconciliation. By combining efforts, these churches could maintain their spiritual vitality while honoring the distinct traditions of each denomination involved.
Federated churches in the UCC and PC(USA) often embody a mission centered on inclusivity, service, and spiritual growth. We’ve been sharing some worship services since last summer and have shared other events, including a Mardi Gras/Ash Wednesday observance, late fall and Lenten Bible studies, and a Maundy Thursday Tenebrae service here at FHC. Our youth groups have been collaborating since last fall.
Provided both congregations vote with two-thirds majorities to federate/merge, in the fall we’ll begin to develop a governance structure, sharing leadership roles, strategic planning, worship and other responsibilities. This collaborative approach can foster a deeper sense of community, allowing us to benefit from the combined strengths of both traditions.
Remember that if you have questions about the merger, you’re not alone. Others may have the same questions you have. You can email those questions to our Merger FAQ email address: [email protected].