LESSON 3

AUTONOMY OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

I. What Does Autonomy of the Local Church Mean?

Autonomy itself means “self-governance” or “self-rule”. An autonomous local
church is free of any outside ecclesiastical control. All human authority for the
doctrine and the practice of the local church resides within the local church itself.

II. What Does the Bible Say about the Local Church Autonomy?
A. Disciplines its own members (Matthew 18:15-17)
B. Appoints its deacons (Acts 6:1-7)
C. Sends out missionaries (Acts 13:1-3; 14:26-27)
D. Judges its members (1 Corinthians 5:,1-5; II Corinthians 2:5-7)
E. Each accountable to God (Revelations 2&3

III. What Can an Autonomous Local Church Do?

- Determine doctrinal position
- Select curriculum and English translation of the Bible for public meetings
- Set priorities and programs
- Determine membership
- Collect and dispense funds
- Select leaders
- Support missionaries
- Mission agencies
- Schools and service ministries of their choice
- License and ordain men
- Conduct business meetings
- Own real estate
- Join an association or leave an association and whatever else they
believe God is leading them to do.

However, the autonomy of the local church does not permit churches to do
whatever they want. The local church is not subservient to any human authority,
but each local church must recognize the absolute right of Christ to rule over
every detail of church life. He is the Head of the local church. ( Ephesians 1:22)