We Baptists enjoy a level of congregational autonomy unknown in other mainstream denominations.  How  does it work, and how do we approach decision making?  How do we as community discern God’s will together?   In this the 400th anniversary year of Baptist beginnings, this morning we briefly explore the theology and distinctive characteristics of our Baptist way of doing things, and some guidelines for how we can ensure that the processes we employ lead us to places where we are open to being led and guided by God’s Spirit.