The Independence and Interdependence of Local Churches: Baptist Concept and Practice of Church Relationship

The Independence and Interdependence of Local Churches: Baptist Concept and Practice of Church Relationship

Nathan K. N.G.

This article seeks to explore the Baptist concept and practice of church relationship. For Baptists, “Christ is the Lord” is always the core belief. All church practices are designed for it. Baptists emphasize the independence of local churches in order to prevent any external authority, political or denominational, from interfering Christian communities regarding the way of following and obeying the will of Christ. Baptists suggest the interdependence of local churches in order that Christ's people may be organized to cooperate for the extension of the Lord's Kingdom. Associations or conventions are never the true authority in Baptist churches. They are just means to discern, to promote and to achieve the mission of God. The actual Lord is always our Jesus Christ.