What is a fundamental belief of all Baptist churches regarding church governance?

Baptist churches fundamentally uphold the principle of congregational governance, which means that each local church operates independently and makes its own decisions without external control from a higher church authority. This approach stresses the autonomy of the local congregation, allowing members to have a direct say in their church's leadership and decision-making processes. The emphasis on congregational governance reflects the belief in the priesthood of all believers, where each member has a role and voice in the life of the church.

This form of governance contrasts with hierarchical systems where authority is concentrated at higher levels, such as bishops or church leadership overseeing multiple congregations, which is not aligned with Baptist beliefs. Moreover, centralized authority is also inconsistent with the Baptist commitment to local church autonomy, as it implies that decisions and authority would stem from a singular, overarching body rather than from the congregation itself. Consequently, congregational governance remains a hallmark of Baptist identity, reinforcing the community's involvement and responsibility in church affairs.