AUTONOMY

Autonomy derives from two roots: auto ("self") andnomos ("law"). It can have positive or negative connotations.

It's crucial to remember that man is not autonomous. He is not empowered to rule himself (cf. Jer. 10:23). He is a creature of God, and the Lord has a "right" over him (Rom. 9:21). This understanding of our place in the divine order should instill in us a sense of humility and respect for God's sovereignty. See SOVEREIGNTY.

Each local congregation of the church of Christ is independent and, thus, autonomous. No pope, cardinal, or conference exercises autocratic authority over a local church with divine approval. While bishops have authority in matters of expediency, only Christ has full authority over his church in issues of teaching and practice. 

In modern cases where churches are incorporated for legal protection, the "board members" or "trustees" serve only as legal representatives of the church membership. They do not exercise any autonomous authority.