Scripture: Various
Autonomy not Hierarchy
The right to self-governance
Head of the Church: Jesus
Eph 1:22, 5:23; Col 1:18, 2:9
No human head of church
Matt 23:9, 28:18
Mayflower Compact offered religious freedom
“Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Everybody likes to get as much power as circumstances allow, and nobody will vote for a self-denying ordinance.” – Lord Acton
Congregational Polity
Polity = form of governance
Three main types of church organization
1. Presbyterian
presbuteros meaning “elder”
“elder rule”
ex. Presbyterian, Brethren, Reformed
2. Episcopalian
episkopos means overseer (bishop)
ex. Roman Catholic, Anglican, Greek Orthodox
3. Congregational
Some with no formal leader
Most elect pastor & deacons
Congregation votes & decides
Biblical Examples
1 Cor 1:24, 2:12 wisdom for all
1 Cor:16 mind of Christ
1 Cor 6:4 wisely settle
Acts 6:1-4 members pick deacons
Acts 11:22 members sent Barnabas
Acts 14:27 reported to members
2 Cor 8:18-21 members collected offering
Acts 15
Elder & Overseer = Pastor
Paul & Barnabas sent by church
Church accepted doctrine
Titus 1
“Appoint” used like ordain
Churches choose pastor
FBC Articles of Faith
The Church
We hold that our church has the absolute right of self-government free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; and that the one and only Superintendent is Christ through the Holy Spirit: that it is Scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the gospel; that our church is the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation; that on all matters of membership, of polity, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the will of First Baptist Church is final.
We believe in the unity of all New Testament believers in the Church which is the Body of Christ.
Take Aways
Are you a church member?
Are you actively serving
Are you regularly giving?
Are you attending & participating in decisions?
Have you repented and trusted Jesus Christ alone for your salvation?
