Congregationalist (noun)

1. A member or follower of the Congregationalist Church or denomination.
2. A person who subscribes to the principle of the autonomy of individual congregations and their democratic governance.
3. A person who believes in the independence of each local church, as opposed to being subject to central authority.

Origin:

From congregational + -ist, from latin congregare, to gather.

Examples:

1. The congregationalist church was founded on the principles of freedom of religion and the autonomy of each congregation.
2. The congregationalist minister was well-respected in the community for his dedication to his faith and his congregation.
3. The congregationalist doctrine emphasized the importance of local church decision making and individual liberty of conscience.
4. The congregationalist movement was characterized by its emphasis on lay leadership and its rejection of central authority.
5. The congregationalist philosophy was rooted in the belief in the priesthood of all believers and the democratic governance of each congregation.