To be autonomous is to stand on one's own feet in authentic relationship with other persons. Anyone capable of introducing or sustaining the anxiety necessary for spiritual growth must be self-governing. He cannot expect to be loved. He needs to be able to stand alone, to help others see the illusion behind their wishes for a safe world, to get temporarily on bad terms with others when it is necessary. Page 75 Voluntary nature of the church, the structural dependence of the pastor, inescapable presence of his vision and values - a volatile mix.
Churches are voluntary religious associations.
Their stability depends in equal parts upon consensus about the vision and purposes of the congregation and upon the satisfaction members get from participation. Consensus refers to an agreed-on set of values, norms, perceptions and behaviors that make up the portrait of that particular church. This network of beliefs and behaviors is in every church. Subjectively, it supports the credibility of important notions about life's meaning and the place its members occupy in the world. These notions continue to feel valid and right because in large measure other members continue to uphold them.