Our history in the United Church of Christ informs our polity (the way we are organized and govern ourselves). Christ is the head of the church. Non-hierarchical, a “bottom up” structure, where lay members are most important part of the organization. In local church (MCC), governance is autonomous and covenantal.
Local churches are organized into Associations (who are responsible for ministerial standing and other duties). We are a member of the Fairfield East Association, along with twenty two other local UCC churches. Associations are organized into Conferences (mostly geographic) who meet annually and are responsible for statewide ministry and missions. The entire church meets every two years at a Synod gathering, votes on important proclamations which speak to (not for) the church.
MCC has a board / committee structure of about 80 lay leaders who are responsible to the congregation as a whole. A slate of these leaders is voted upon at every annual meeting. Boards and committees meet on a monthly basis and make many important plans and decisions. Board and committee chairs report on monthly activity, and coordinate efforts at a monthly council meeting with other chairs, exec officers and pastors.
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