By Karren Jay G. Asgar
The book cover of A Historical Analysis of the Baptist Principle of the Local Autonomy of the Church by Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, designed by Kairos Rye A. Jalando-on, features vibrant bayanihan imagery symbolizing community, unity, and interdependence.
Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of the CPU Office of Communications has recently launched his latest book, ĢƵA Historical Analysis of the Baptist Principle of the Local Autonomy of the ChurchĢƵ during his lecture at the Convention Baptist MinistersĢƵ Association National Assembly. Organized by the Convention Baptist MinistersĢƵ Association, the event was part of the celebration marking its 83rd National Annual Assembly last January 21-23, 2025, at K-Center, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
The assembly, anchored by the theme, ĢƵThe Pastor and his/her Private Life,ĢƵ was attended by more than 600 pastors coming from member churches of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches. All pastors that attended received a copy of the book as part of their kit.
ĢƵThis book is the culmination of a journey that spanned several years and encountered many detours,ĢƵ Rev. Dr. Jalando-on wrote on his Acknowledgment. ĢƵI am deeply humbled to see this work contribute to the ongoing discourse on the local autonomy of the church. My prayer is that this book will bring clarity and insight to this vital Baptist principle. To God be the glory for His sustaining grace!ĢƵ
On the second day of the convention, Rev. Dr. Jalando-on delivered a lecture about the concept of local autonomy within the context of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC) and provided a proposed official definition of its scope and limitations. He discussed that local autonomy for the CPBC is about balancing self-governance with connection, collaboration, and cooperation. It empowers local churches to flourish in their unique contexts while remaining integral parts of a wider community of faith.
In his talk, he shared the studyĢƵs conclusion, which states: ĢƵĢƵlocal autonomy for the CPBC is not about absolute independence, but a delicate balance between self-governance and interconnectedness. It empowers local churches to flourish within a framework of collaboration and shared purpose. By embracing Filipino values and drawing upon the wisdom gleaned from Scripture and history, the CPBC can cultivate a thriving ecosystem where local churches and the central body function together, fulfilling the Great Commission and enriching the lives of their communities as they journey toward the Kingdom of God and experience kaginhawaan, a meaningful and abundant life (John 10:10).ĢƵ
Rev. Dr. Jalando-onĢƵs lecture and the launch of his book serve as pivotal moments in the ongoing dialogue about the Baptist principle of local autonomy. His work, a product of years of research and reflection, offers new insights into the complex dynamics of self-governance and interconnectedness within the CPBC. The book is copyrighted by ĢƵ. The author is grateful to CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy for his continuing support to research and publication.