An "autonomous" church
is simply a self-governing church. The New Testament tells us that God
does not want His people bound together in any organizational structure larger
than the local church. Philippians 1:1 says:
Paul and Timotheus,
the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at
Philippi, with the bishops and deacons."
This was a fully established,
scripturally organized, local church of Christ. They had members who worked,
deacons who served, and bishops (elders) who led them through it all. Their
allegiance was to Christ and His infallible word (Acts 20:32). They
looked to Christ for headship (Ephesians 5:23), and authority
Colossians 3:17). They did not look to any other person, organization,
council or creed for their guidance.
The extent of local church autonomy
is seen in the limitations that God has placed upon local church elderships.
Elders were told to "feed the flock of God that is among you"
(1 Peter 5:2). These elders have no business overseeing the works and
affairs of the members of other churches. This is what we mean by
autonomy". Churches violate this principle by binding themselves together
in congregational alliances and conventions. The principle is also violated by
sponsoring church arrangements in which the elders of one church oversee the
funds and resources of other churches.