A-Autonomy of the Local Church

Autonomy of the local church is pretty straight-forward. It means that the local congregation is completely self-governed, and completely separate from all other congregations. As previously outlined, the Lord Jesus Christ is the head of the church, and Baptist congregations are accountable to Him alone. It does not report to, and is not governed by, any council, organization or other religious hierarchy. Local congregations may choose to participate in associations, such as The Southern Baptist Convention, American Baptist Churches USA, or in the case of independent Baptist congregations, with other local congregations. However, these affiliations, or other churches, may in no way determine the affairs, beliefs, or practices of the local congregation. This is right reserved for, and by, the autonomous local congregation.

Ephesians 1:20~23 confirms Jesus' role as head of the church:

20. Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

21. Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

22. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church.

23. Which is his body, the fulness (sic) of him that filleth all in all.