Conflict Resolution and the Autonomy of the Local Baptist Church: A Critical Review

Abstract

One peculiar distinctiveness of the Baptists is the autonomous status of a local Baptist church from other churches and even higher authorities of the religious denomination. This paper reviews this church polity in tandem with conflict resolution mechanisms in a local church. Semi- structured interviews were used to determine how the polity affects resolving conflicts in a local church. Some available documents and literatures are reviewed and analysed in relation to the autonomy of a local Nigerian Baptist church and conflict resolution mechanisms. It is discovered that while the church polity has its benefits, there are some impediments it has against smooth conflict resolution mechanisms in the local church. Therefore, it is recommended that the Nigerian Baptist Convention, as a faith-based organisation, and churches cooperating with it should revisit the principle of autonomy of a local church. Responsible and regulated autonomy should be considered as total autonomy of a local church can lead to disorder and anarchy in the organisation.