Quote:
Originally Posted by Igzy
Again it depends what you mean by not autonomous. If you mean we depend on each other, I agree. If you mean we mutually submit, I agree. If you mean a non-member of a local church has the right to come in and fire elders, I disagree.
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Autonomous simply means self-ruling. In the case of an individual Christian, it means we each have the right to make our own decisions. In the case of local churches, it means no one from the outside has the right to come in and take over.
I think this is pretty clearly the way God set things up.
Autonomy does not mean that individuals and churches are not required to be open to fellowship. But, ultimately, each individual and church is allowed to be self-governing, for better or for worse. The Bible gives none of us the right to rule over another, except in very narrow contexts.
In the case of churches, ministries or movements, if you decide to be a part of any of those, you should respect the existing leadership. If as a member you feel to suggest reforms, that is okay. But if you cannot co-exist with the group, you don't have the right to wrest control of the group by force or intimidation. You should simple go in peace.
The same principle applies from the topside. Though there is one Body, there are not authorities in the Body. There are only authorities in groups. So a church outsider, however qualified, does not have the right to come into a church and take over, claiming apostleship or whatever.
God has called us to peace. We should minister to churches, not push them around. If you are an traveling preacher (apostle) then preach. Don't assume you can dictate to elders what they can do. If you are a member, support. If either of you isn't happy, move on. There are lots of churches. Maybe you'll find one that will listen to you.