Baptists are congregational in polity. That means that the local congregations govern themselves. There is no hierarchy, no outside authority, that can tell the local congregation what it must do.
Last June Andreas Köstenberger posted on his site an article titled "Church Government: Congregationalism," written as an encyclopedia entry on the subject. As a good encyclopedia entry should, it defines the term, describes the various forms it takes, and discusses the Biblical basis for, and arguments against. Read it here.
Like other Baptists, Seventh Day Baptists are congregational. The Statement of Belief includes this:
Last June Andreas Köstenberger posted on his site an article titled "Church Government: Congregationalism," written as an encyclopedia entry on the subject. As a good encyclopedia entry should, it defines the term, describes the various forms it takes, and discusses the Biblical basis for, and arguments against. Read it here.
Like other Baptists, Seventh Day Baptists are congregational. The Statement of Belief includes this:
We believe in the priesthood of all believers and practice the autonomy of local congregations, as we seek to work in association with others for more effective witness.Biblical Foundations » 2007 » June
There are two comments I would make
ReplyDelete(1) Congregationalism resting on the priesthood of believers was under the headship of the LORD Christ is to be very close to a pure democracy the investemnt in eldership postion stated in the article betrays this understanding
(2) If Congregatioanlism assumes paricipation and responsibility before Heavenly Father it naturally limits the size of the congregation to those who can effectively be heard, known to each other and as Covenant member fall under the discipline of the body.