Implications of Local Church Autonomy on the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC)

Ojemuyiwa I.O.; Gaiya MAB; Amos; Renshwat J.S.

doi:10.56201/ijrcp.vol.10.no6.2025.pg46.56

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Implications of Local Church Autonomy on the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC)

Ojemuyiwa I.O., Gaiya MAB, Amos, H, Renshwat J.S.

Abstract

The Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) values local church autonomy, which influences its governance, theological integrity, and operational dynamics. This essay investigates the impact of local church autonomy on the Nigerian Baptist Convention. The autonomy allows congregations to self-govern, increasing flexibility and contextual relevance; yet, it also raises concerns about doctrinal contradictions, financial mismanagement, and fragmentation. The evidence of the study demonstrates that variations in Baptist procedures lead to inconsistencies in responsibility. At the same time, conflict resolution is primarily based on internal mediation, occasionally resulting in unresolved conflicts or schisms within the Church. The congregation influences the pastoral calling, resulting in various leadership standards and financial independence; nevertheless, while fostering self-sufficiency, it may encourage corruption in the lack of centralised oversight. The study emphasises the contradiction between autonomy and denominational coherence, since excessive independence hinders collaborative mission efforts and causes leadership conflicts. Recommendations call for the development of a regulated autonomy model that balances self- governance and collaborative accountability. By addressing these issues, the NBC can improve its coherence while upholding the Baptist tenet of congregational autonomy.

Keywords

AutonomyBaptistlocal ChurchimplicationNigerian Baptist Convention

References

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Implications of Local Church Autonomy on the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC)

Abstract

Keywords

References

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