In a world filled with countless churches and religious organizations, it’s natural to wonder why one church would exist apart from another. What makes one group of believers distinct, and how does this distinction align with the Bible’s teaching? For the Church of Christ, the concept of being “separate” carries a unique and vital meaning. We are not part of a denomination or governed by an overarching body. Each local congregation of the Church of Christ is independent and autonomous, with Christ as its sole head and His Word as its guide. We exist not as a division among denominations, but as a body striving to follow the New Testament pattern for Christ’s church.
This independence isn’t born out of pride or a desire to be different; it is rooted in a deep commitment to Scripture. In Ephesians 4:4-6, Paul declares, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” The “one body” is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23), and each congregation stands as an expression of that body, connected to Christ alone. No denominational hierarchy governs the Church of Christ—only the authority of God’s Word.
Additionally, the Church of Christ is distinct in its structure because each congregation operates independently of others. This autonomy reflects the New Testament pattern. Local churches, such as those in Corinth, Ephesus, and Philippi, were overseen by elders within each congregation (Acts 14:23; Philippians 1:1). No outside authority dictated their decisions, and each church was accountable to Christ as its head. This pattern ensures that no human hierarchy can overshadow the Lord’s authority.
Some may view this separation as unusual or even unnecessary, but it is not. It is a safeguard to ensure that each congregation remains faithful to Christ and His Word without being influenced by the decisions or compromises of others. Our goal is not to create division but to uphold the independence and purity of the Lord’s church as outlined in Scripture.
1. The Bible Is Our Only Rule of Faith
The Church of Christ exists because we believe the Bible is the sole, inspired, and all-sufficient guide for faith and practice. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.” Scripture is complete—it requires no additions, supplements, or human traditions to fulfill its purpose.
This reliance on the Bible alone also explains why each church within the Church of Christ operates independently. Because each congregation is directly accountable to the Word of God, there is no need for external oversight or denominational councils. Local churches study the Scriptures, make decisions according to God’s Word, and answer directly to Christ. This independence ensures that no human authority can impose doctrines or practices that deviate from Scripture.
David reminds us, “The Law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7). By focusing solely on God’s Word, each church remains firmly rooted in His truth rather than human traditions.
2. Division Is Condemned by God
The Church of Christ also exists to uphold God’s call for unity, not division. Paul pleads with the Corinthian church, saying, “Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). Division arises when human traditions, doctrines, and organizations take precedence over God’s Word.
But how does this call for unity align with the independence of each local church? The answer lies in the nature of biblical unity. Unity is not found in organizational structures or hierarchies—it is found in adherence to God’s Word. Jesus prayed for this kind of unity in John 17:20-21: “I am not asking on behalf of these alone, but also for those who believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one; just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.”
Each congregation is united with others not through human governance but through the shared commitment to Christ as Lord and the Scriptures as the ultimate authority. When local churches remain faithful to the Word, they are spiritually united, even while operating independently.
3. We Follow the Apostolic Pattern
Another reason for the Church of Christ’s separate existence is the commitment to preach and practice the gospel as delivered by the apostles. Paul warns in Galatians 1:8-9, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, even now I say again: if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!”
The independence of each congregation allows local churches to focus solely on the teaching of the apostles without being influenced by external doctrines. This is why the elders of each church are tasked with guarding the congregation’s faithfulness to the gospel (Acts 20:28). By operating autonomously, each church has the freedom to faithfully preach repentance, baptism for the forgiveness of sins, and obedience to God’s commands without interference.
Paul’s instruction to Timothy reinforces this responsibility: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2). Faithfulness to the apostolic pattern requires autonomy, as no two churches are guaranteed to face the same challenges or circumstances.
4. Christ Is the Builder of the Church
The Church of Christ exists because Christ is its sole builder and head. Jesus declared, “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18). The church belongs entirely to Him, and He alone has the authority to direct its work and worship.
This is why local churches are autonomous. Each congregation answers directly to Christ, as Paul affirms in Ephesians 1:22-23: “[God] put all things in subjection under His feet, and made Him head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” By maintaining independence, local churches ensure that Christ remains the only head of His body, and no human authority can undermine His leadership.
Conclusion: Where Do You Stand?
The Church of Christ exists as a separate body—not to create division, but to preserve the biblical pattern of local congregations governed solely by Christ. Each church is autonomous, yet spiritually united through a shared commitment to God’s Word. We uphold the Bible as our only authority, reject human-made divisions, preach the unaltered gospel, and honor Christ as the head of His church.
Psalm 127:1 reminds us, “Unless the Lord builds a house, they who build it labor in vain.” Jesus adds in Matthew 15:13, “Every plant which My heavenly Father did not plant will be uprooted.” Where do you stand? Are you building your faith on human traditions or the foundation of God’s Word? Will you join us in striving to honor Him in all things?
The Simple Gospel 