Christ is the head of the church, and the church is His body.
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:21-23 KJV)
THE CHURCH IS INDEPENDENT AND SOVEREIGN
The definition of Independent and Sovereign.
Definition from Microsoft Bing
In political science, independence refers to the state of being free from external domination or control. On the other hand, sovereignty refers to the supreme authority of a state to govern itself.
In simpler terms, independence is more focused on being free from external domination or control, while sovereignty involves the full autonomy to make laws, levy taxes, and conduct foreign policy 1.
For example, a country can be sovereign without being independent, but it cannot be independent without being sovereign.
The church is under the headship of Christ and His word. It means to say that the church cannot be above the Bible. Majority rule is valid only as long as it is in accordance with the commands of Christ.
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:18 KJV)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV)
If churches associate, they should be of equal authority. Associations and conventions should not exercise control over the churches.
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:25-28 KJV)
All ministries should be under the church. Evangelism and Discipleship should be in the context of a church ministry.
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:21 KJV)
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20 KJV)
Each pastor and church should respect the autonomy and authority of each church. Pastors must practice ministerial ethics in his dealings with fellow pastors and churches of the same faith.
But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand. But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. (2 Corinthians 10:13-18 KJV).
Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: (Romans 15:20 KJV)