Baptist Distinctives
BAPTISTS
1. Number one was BIBLE – the Bible is the ONLY authority!
2. Autonomy of the Local Church
Each local church is an independent body, accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Head of the church. Each church is autonomous, or self-governing, and contains all human authority for leadership within its congregation. No denomination, governmental body, or religious hierarchy may dictate the church’s beliefs or practices. A Baptist church may choose to associate with other churches of like faith around mutual interests or ministry opportunities, but one church cannot exert authority over another.
The autonomy of the local church is a major distinction for Baptists. We believe that every local church is self-governing, independent of a hierarchical framework or outside governmental structure. Each church is responsible for running its own affairs in accordance with the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, and the human leadership God has given each congregation.
The Bible teaches Local Church Autonomy! Baptists believe in the Autonomy of the local church, therefore I am Baptist.
Colossians 1:18; Matthew 18:15-20; Acts 15:22-31; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 19, 23
