Holy Spirit, come to us
This one's pretty simple, but it's regularly confused. Many don't know when to use "congregation" and when to use "congregational".
Basically, if the topic is something specific, like a specific congregation council, no "-al" suffix (specific things can be plural). If speaking more in general, use the "-al" suffix.
Note: When referencing the congregation in the constitution, as well as groups within the congregation, never use "-al". The Congregation Council is a specific group, and congregation meetings are specific meetings of the congregation.
| Specific (no "-al") | General (use "-al") |
|---|---|
| I serve on the Congregation Council. | I've served on many congregational boards in my lifetime. |
| Our congregation is an independent entity. | A parish is basically a congregational cluster. |
| My congregation is warm and inviting. | Susie exemplifies the congregational spirit. |
| Things happened at the congregation meeting. | I've never been to such an eventful congregational meeting. |
| This is my pastor. | They have a very pastoral presence. |
| Let's amend the constitution! | Are you sure this requires a constitutional amendment? |
| The synod bishops have a tough job. | I will never serve in a synodical position. |
| How many synod assemblies have you been to? | Synodical meetings are the best! |
| Each of the synod councils are important. | I work at the synodical level. |
| The ELCA is an organization. | The ELCA has many organizational units. |
| To evangelize is to share the good news. | The ELCA is called to evangelical ministries. |
| Within the congregation (*C9.03.b.) | Each pastor with a congregational call will (*C9.03.b.) |
| Christians are part of the new covenant. | We exist in a covenantal relationship with God. |