Definition of "Independent Church”: What is an independent church?  Is there such a thing?
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You will often hear of other churches in the Body of Christ referred to as "independent".  "They are an independent church of God".  Is this term accurate?  Is there really an "independent church of God" somewhere?

First notice the dictionary definition of "independent".

  1. Not governed by a foreign power; self-governing.
  2. Free from the influence, guidance, or control of another or others; self-reliant: an independent mind.
  3. Not determined or influenced by someone or something else; not contingent: a decision independent of the outcome of the study.
  4. often Independent Affiliated with or loyal to no one political party or organization.
  5. Not dependent on or affiliated with a larger or controlling entity: an independent food store; an independent film.

Regarding definition 1: Isn't a church of God governed by a foreign power in the name of Jesus Christ?
Regarding definition 2: Do churches in the Body have independent minds not controlled by others?  Aren't God's people and church organizations operating with the mind of Christ?  Isn't the church under the guidance of Christ?
Regarding definition 3: Isn't the Church of God determined AND influenced by Christ?
Regarding definition 4: Is not the Church of God loyal to Christ?  Aren't they affiliated to the doctrines of God...the Word of God?
Regarding definition 5: Isn't God, the Father the larger or controlling entity?

In fact, within the Body of Christ, there IS NO SUCH THING as an Independent Church of God.  Whether you are church organization A or church organization B, you are established as an organization by one God.  You hold the truth of the one Word of God.  The stated commissions to the church are the same: 1) spread the gospel 2) feed the flock.

The question is, "If you believe yourself to be an 'independent' church, what is it that you are independent of?"  There is only one God, one baptism, one Spirit, one Christ and one Word of God. 

There is no such thing as an independent church in the Body of Christ.

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