But the denomination is decentralized, and its power resides largely with the individual pastors of the autonomous congregations rather than at the denomination's headquarters.

Russell's supporters gathered as autonomous congregations to study the Bible and his writings.

The Union is composed of autonomous congregations.

The result of this work was 2 autonomous congregations, the Reformed Church in Portugal.

Churches of Christ are autonomous congregations without formal ties between each other.

The order is currently divided into two autonomous congregations:

It is a fellowship of autonomous congregations, about half of which are formally associated with the Disciples of Christ.

At that point Casamari, along with its dependencies, was able to establish itself as an autonomous congregation, directly subject to the Holy See.

From 1879 Watch Tower supporters gathered as autonomous congregations to study the Bible topically.

Ministers are selected by individual autonomous congregations through a self regulated search process.