A letter appeared in the Dec. 1 issue of The Baptist Courier entitled “Churches have right to decide,” in which the writer lamented the decision made by Missouri Baptists to exclude CBF-supporting churches from their state convention.
Among other things, the writer suggested that “Missouri Baptists are seeking to dictate to the local churches what those churches may or may not do, and with whom they may be aligned. In our Baptist tradition, which emphasizes the autonomy of the local church, such decisions are made solely by the local church, not by a judicatory body.” He goes on to maintain, “It is my understanding that, as Baptists, the churches themselves have the right to determine the organizations with which they will cooperate, not the other way around. The emphasis must always be on the churches, and not on the denomination.”
While Baptist polity does emphasize the autonomy of the local church, it also emphasizes the autonomy of local associations, state conventions, and the national body. Local churches may believe as they choose and associate with whom they choose. Likewise, associations, state conventions, and the SBC, which are, of course, comprised of local churches, enjoy the same prerogative. These entities are free to associate with whom they wish. Whether or not one agrees with the action of Missouri Baptists, they acted in accord with historical Baptist polity.
I do agree with the writer about the need to “teach our people and our pastors regarding both biblical doctrine and Baptist polity.” Let’s make sure, though, that the teaching of both doctrine and polity are not molded to fit our own personal agendas.
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