66%
Confidence
Belief overview
Voluntary cooperation between churches
Local churches freely associate for missions, education, and mutual support.
2
Supportive
0
Contrary
1
Neutral
What it is: Despite local autonomy, Baptist churches frequently associate in conventions, unions, and mission boards.
How the tradition understands it: This cooperation is voluntary and instrumental, aimed at missions, seminaries, publications, assistance, and collective projects, without annulling the autonomy of the congregation.
Basis and context: The principle allowed missionary expansion and global organization without central episcopacy.
Debates and variations: Tensions arise when cooperative structures try to impose stronger doctrinal or disciplinary norms on local churches.
Documentary evidence
Supportive
Acts 13:1-3
The community sends missionaries in spiritual cooperation.
Reference: Acts 13:1-3.
Content: The church in Antioch sends Barnabas and Saul for mission after prayer and discernment.
Use in debate: It is important for missions and cooperation among churches.
Acts 15
The apostolic council as a reference for deliberation and cooperation among communities.
Reference: Acts 15.
Content: The text shows leaders and community deliberating over an important doctrinal and practical question.
Use in debate: It is used to think about cooperation among churches without canceling local responsibility.
Neutral
Second London Baptist Confession (1689)
A classic confession of great influence among Reformed Baptists.
Reference: Second London Baptist Confession, 1689.
Content: The text systematizes doctrine, ecclesiology, sacraments, and church government in a Reformed Baptist key.
Use in debate: It is widely used as a historical and theological source among confessional Baptists.