Whenever independent Baptist churches have banded themselves together with any extra-scriptural organization the result has always been the same. A hierarchy develops!! The organization assumes the responsibility and work of the local churches. Every organization of Baptist churches has always followed this trail! From time to time there will be groups of churches that will protest against these man-made organizations and will break relationship with them. The amazing thing is that they will then band themselves together and proceed to build the same kind of organization that they had so vigorously protested against. These churches possibly have the finest motives in the world but they are following the path of every religious organization before them. 

It is a hard thing to follow the simplicity of God's plan. Just as the lost stumble at the simplicity of salvation, Christians stumble at the simplicity of God's plan in the church. Their desire is for something bigger, grander and more elaborate. A powerful organization is man's way, a local church is God's way. 

When is a church independent? When it is not subordinate, subject to, or dependent upon, or associated with any other organization. A church that is part of any organization outside of the church loses its independence. 

In the New Testament, the churches were not cut off from one another because of a lack of organization. The greatest united missionary effort ever put forth in the history of the churches was in the New Testament times and the only organization used was the local, New Testament church. These churches all cooperated without the urging of any outside organization. Organized religion is always a sign of apostasy. 

What was the basis of this cooperation and fellowship among the churches of the New Testament? First, there was doctrinal unity! They were identified by what they believed in, not what they belonged to!! These first churches stood united in doctrine. 

Second, these churches stood united in their missionary activities. This was achieved without a missionary Board, missionary Committee, missionary Association, etc. The missionaries were ordained in the local church, approved by the local church, sent forth by the local church and supported by the local church. The approval of a missionary by one local church was recommendation to all churches. This was accomplished without any Missionary Organization other than the local churches. It worked then and it will work now if we give it a chance! 

Third, these churches stood united in the standards they set for their members. They presented a united front in clean, godly, sacrificial living. 

Fourth, the New Testament churches stood united in evangelism. Evangelists were sent forth by the local churches and their efforts were always through local churches. 

Fifth, these churches maintained their identity by their baptism. There was no room for heresy. 

Many, many reasons could be given to explain the harmony, unity and close fellowship of the New Testament churches. They stood shoulder to shoulder and arm in arm. They worked together and evangelized the world together and yet there was never any organization except a local New Testament church. Let's give God's way a chance.