Also, when autonomy is interpreted to mean that individuals or churches are free to do as they please, the results are negative. As Herschel Hobbs commented, “Both should do as Christ pleases or wills.” Baptists have sought to deal with these difficulties related to autonomy in various ways, such as through voluntary cooperation of Baptist churches, associations of churches, and other entities. The Benefits of Baptist Autonomy If difficulties exist with autonomy, why preserve it? A basic reason is that autonomy is based on biblical truth. If for no other reason than this, Baptists ought to hold steadfastly to the autonomy of churches. Other reasons also exist. For example, autonomy... - assistsBaptists in living in accord with other basic concepts such as congregational governance. - allowseach individual congregation to determine how best to reach and minister to the community in which it exists. - reinforcesthe fact that in a Baptist church each member is responsible for the church. Such a sense of responsibility can lead members to have a strong identity with the church and to do their part in strengthening the health of the church and carrying out its ministries. - providesa defense in liability lawsuits. The denomination is not liable for the actions of a local congregation, and the congregation is not liable for actions of any other church or entity of the Baptist denomination. Conclusion Church autonomy is a basic biblical concept and a vital part of Baptist identity. Every effort should be made to preserve and strengthen it. Misconceptions ought to be clarified by carefully teaching its meaning and the bases for it. Threats should be resisted and difficulties dealt with creatively. For further information, see cbhh.dbu.edu The basic material in this leaflet originally appeared in a series of articles in the Baptist Standard in 2005. Wanting to share information about Baptist distinctives, Noble Hurley, shortly before his death in 2004, established the Jane and Noble Hurley Baptist Identity Fund to provide for publishing the series. He asked William M. Pinson, Jr. and Doris A. Tinker to prepare the articles. The financial assistance of The Prichard Family Foundation and Vester T. Hughes, Jr. enabled this series of nineteen leaflets to be produced based on the articles. Skyler Tinker designed and formatted the leaflets for publication. Each leaflet is for both individual and group study. The topics in this series include (1) Baptists: Who? Where? What? Why? (2) What Makes a Baptist a Baptist? (3) The Lordship of Christ; (4) The Bible as Authority for Faith and Practice; (5) Soul Competency; (6) Salvation Only By Grace Through Faith; (7) The Priesthood of All Believers; (8) Believer’s Baptism; (9) A Regenerate Church Membership; (10) Congregational Church Governance; (11) Church Autonomy; (12) Church Organization and Ordinances; (13) Voluntary Cooperation; (14) Evangelism; (15) Missions; (16) Ministry; (17) Christian Education; (18) The Application of the Gospel; (19) Religious Freedom. © William M. Pinson, Jr., 2007
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