More recent generations have witnessed a growing number of nondenominational churches, which are often congregationalist in their governance.
[2] These conventions generally provide stronger ties between congregations, including some doctrinal direction and pooling of financial resources.
Independent Baptist churches have no formal organizational structure above the level of the local congregation.
More generally among Baptists, a variety of parachurch agencies and evangelical educational institutions may be supported generously or not at all, depending entirely upon the local congregation's customs and predilections.
Usually doctrinal conformity is held as a first consideration when a church makes a decision to grant or decline financial contributions to such agencies, which are legally external and separate from the congregations they serve.
These practices also find currency among non-denominational fundamentalist or charismatic fellowships, many of which derive from Baptist origins, culturally if not theologically.
However, they adhere to a very similar ecclesiology, refusing to permit outside control or oversight of the affairs of the local church.
[12] Elders and deacons are chosen by the congregation based on the qualifications found in Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
[13] Congregations look for elders who have a mature enough understanding of scripture to enable them to supervise the minister and to teach, as well as to perform governance functions.
[19] Churches of Christ from the beginning have maintained no formal organization structures larger than the local congregations and no official journals or vehicles declaring sanctioned positions.
Consensus views do, however, often emerge through the influence of opinion leaders who express themselves in journals, at lectureships, or at area preacher meetings and other gatherings.