Title What is an Independent Local Church?
Contents Local churches have been in existence since the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem in the First Century (Acts 2). Because Christ said He would build His church (Matthew 16:18), groups of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior have gathered together all across the world to form local congregations. In those congregations they could worship Him, teach His Word, evangelize the community, and practice the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Table. He indeed was building His church.
But is this the only way to understand how local churches are to be governed?
Throughout history there have been independent local churches free from outside control, dependent simply upon the Lord Jesus as the Head, the Holy Spirit as the Power, and the Bible as the Guide. The churches established by the First Century apostles of Christ began as independent local churches. Those churches were self-governing which means they:
chose their own officers (Acts 6:1-6) according to a Scriptural standard (1 Timothy 3:1-13)
exercised their own discipline (1 Corinthians 5:13)
handled their internal problems as an individual congregation (1 Corinthians 6:1-5)
were responsible to preserve the true teaching of the Bible in their church (1 Timothy 3:15)
were accountable to the local elders of their church (Acts 14:23; Hebrews 13:7, 17a) who in turn were accountable to Christ (Hebrews 13:7b)
The churches begun by the First Century apostles of Christ were also self-supporting which means they:
supported their own local ministries through regular, systematic giving (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
financially supported their own pastor (1 Timothy 5:17-18)
took care of their own local people in financial need (like widows, 1 Timothy 5:3-16)
But the concept of the independent local church can be greatly misrepresented in the sinful actions of the church people. If the church leaders and congregation are not obedient to the Bible and refuse to be humbly directed by the Holy Spirit, they can degenerate into warring factions in the church (1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 3:1-9) and domineering leaders lustful for control and power (1 Peter 5:3; 3 John 9). Even though the New Testament teaches the autonomy of the local independent church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, autonomy is meant that each church grows in its dependence upon the Lord. He is the Head of each church and He demands their godly submission in all areas of church life. They are to look to Him for the provision of their every need as a church. This type of church government encourages prayer, faith, and spiritual growth among all of its members.
Also, the concept of the independent local church can be greatly misunderstood to justify isolationism and a spirit of exclusivity. Remember that the body of Christ transcends all earthly denominations and organizations (Ephesians 1:22-23). It is composed of all who have trusted Christ as Savior, regardless of organizational affiliation. Biblically independent churches strive to be loyal to Christ and His Word rather than to any organization. They seek to establish, preserve, and expand local churches according to the New Testament pattern. Yet the First Century apostles of Christ also encouraged cooperative interdependence between local churches:
greetings were extended throughout all the New Testament between independent churches, indicating a relationship with other churches in other regions (example in Romans 16:23)
Paul instructed the church at Rome to assist Phoebe in her visit from Corinth (Romans 16:1-2)
Paul instructed the churches of Galatia, Macedonia, and Achaia to collect offerings for the poor believers in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1-3; 2 Corinthians 8:1; 9:1-2; Romans 15:25)
Barnabas was sent by the Jews of the church of Jerusalem to be an encouragement to the Gentiles of the church at Antioch (Acts 11:22-24)
the Gentiles in Antioch sent an offering to help the Jewish believers in Jerusalem during a famine (Acts 11:28-30)
an inter-church conference was held in Jerusalem in order to clarify doctrinal teaching regarding what is to be the true understanding of salvation (Acts 15:1-21)
after the inter-church conference in Jerusalem, Paul and others were sent to inform the new churches in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia of the resultant teaching (Acts 15:22-23)
the independent local church in Thessalonica had a loving concern for all the brethren in Macedonia (1 Thessalonians 4:10; 5:27)
local churches in Macedonia financially assisted Paul in his efforts to start a local church in Corinth (2 Corinthians 11:8-9)
the local church in Philippi financially assisted Paul in his efforts to start a local church in Thessalonica (Philippians 4:15-16)
the same New Testament letter was to be distributed and read in groups of churches (Colossians 4:16 [Colosse and Laodicea were 32 miles apart]; Galatians 1:2)
Paul says that there were similarities between local churches regarding customary practices found in all of them (1 Corinthians 4:17; 7:17; 11:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:14)
one church planting team who accompanied Paul was from many different places (Acts 20:4)
Gaius was commended for assisting itinerant ministers (3 John 5-8)
Titus was a regional overseer, problem solver, leadership recruiter for the island of Crete and was accountable to Paul in the process (Titus 1:5)
IFCA International establishes an organizational structure to coordinate and encourage joint participation in mutual activities and ministries (interdependence). IFCA International provides this while guaranteeing the autonomy of the local church (independence). IFCA International churches are identified by a common doctrinal position, in contrast to today's ecclesiastical scene which is marked by doctrinal carelessness and attempts at unity through minimizing Scriptural convictions. We maintain doctrinal integrity and the independence of the local church, but we do so without an exclusive spirit of isolation. We enjoy the fellowship, encouragement, and associations among our member churches, organizations, and individuals.
- Jul/Aug 2004 VOICE magazine