Appendix 1: Clarification of Autonomy and Denominational Relationships
The term "autonomous" as used in Section 1 refers to the church's right under Christ to govern its own affairs without outside control. This includes the authority to call its own Lead Pastor, elect its own officers, own its property, and determine its policies in accordance with Scripture.
While this church affiliates voluntarily with Baptist associations and conventions, this affiliation does not bind the church to creeds, bylaws, or decisions made by those bodies. Such associations are for fellowship, missions, and mutual support — not for governance.
Church leaders, while expected to affirm Southern Baptist doctrines, must do so with biblical discernment. No doctrinal position promoted by a denominational entity shall supersede the authority of Scripture or the church's responsibility to uphold biblical truth as understood and interpreted within this body. The qualifier “provided such beliefs remain consistent with the Word of God” ensures ongoing accountability to Scripture above all.
While this church affiliates voluntarily with Baptist associations and conventions, this affiliation does not bind the church to creeds, bylaws, or decisions made by those bodies. Such associations are for fellowship, missions, and mutual support — not for governance.
Church leaders, while expected to affirm Southern Baptist doctrines, must do so with biblical discernment. No doctrinal position promoted by a denominational entity shall supersede the authority of Scripture or the church's responsibility to uphold biblical truth as understood and interpreted within this body. The qualifier “provided such beliefs remain consistent with the Word of God” ensures ongoing accountability to Scripture above all.