IFCA REGIONAL LEADERS' HANDBOOK - IFCA International

financially supported their own pastor (1 Timothy 5:17-18)
took care of their own local people in financial need (like widows, 1 Timothy
5:3-16)
Following this pattern, each of today's independent local churches depends upon
the Holy Spirit's direction (Acts 13:1-3) and chooses its own name, government
and programs. It is free to call its own pastor and invite into its pulpit any
speakers it considers true to the Word of God. It is also free to seek God's
direction in supporting those evangelistic ministries they find Scripturally
acceptable and choosing the Christian education materials they believe are best
to teach Bible truths to their people. They are also free to support whatever
schools and institutions they believe are valuable for training their own young
people and preparing their men for the Gospel ministry; mandatory obligation to
protect a tradition or an investment is not involved in an independent local
church's decision to support an educational institution.
But the concept of the independent local church can be greatly misrepresented in
the sinful actions of the church people. If the church leaders and congregation are
not obedient to the Bible and refuse to be humbly directed by the Holy Spirit,
they can degenerate into warring factions in the church (1 Corinthians 1:10-13;
3:1-9) and domineering leaders lustful for control and power (1 Peter 5:3; 3 John
9). Even though the New Testament teaches the autonomy of the local
independent church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, autonomy is meant that
each church grows in its dependence upon the Lord. He is the Head of each
church and He demands their godly submission in all areas of church life. They
are to look to Him for the provision of their every need as a church. This type of
church government encourages prayer, faith, and spiritual growth among all of
its members.
Also, the concept of the independent local church can be greatly misunderstood
to justify isolationism and a spirit of exclusivity. Remember that the body of
Christ transcends all earthly denominations and organizations (Ephesians 1:22-
23). It is composed of all who have trusted Christ as Savior, regardless of
organizational affiliation. Biblically independent churches strive to be loyal to
Christ and His Word rather than to any organization. They seek to establish,
preserve, and expand local churches according to the New Testament pattern.
Yet the First Century apostles of Christ also encouraged cooperative
interdependence between local churches:
greetings were extended throughout all the New Testament between
independent churches, indicating a relationship with other churches in other
regions (example in Romans 16:23)
Paul instructed the church at Rome to assist Phoebe in her visit from Corinth
(Romans 16:1-2)
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IFCA International Regional Leadership
Handbook