We are writing to address an important topic within our leadership community—understanding the difference between autonomy and independence, particularly in the context of Great Awakening International. This understanding is crucial in maintaining a balanced approach to leadership that fosters both individual freedom and collective accountability founded upon Torah.

Autonomy: What is it?

Autonomy encompasses self-governance and the ability to make decisions independently on a local level, but within a framework that includes broader accountability and alignment with the vision of Great Awakening International. Autonomy in Great Awakening International implies freedom with responsibility and accountability, ensuring that individual actions are in harmony with our values and objectives.

In Great Awakening International, we strive to empower our communities (Worship Hubs and Assemblies) and their leadership with autonomy. This means encouraging personal initiative and independent thinking on a local level while ensuring that actions and decisions align with torah, our collective mission and ethical standards.

1. Individual Decision-Making:

• Empowerment: Assemblies/Worship Hubs and their leaders have the autonomy to make decisions that directly impact their local assembly.
• Tailored Participation: Autonomy allows Assemblies/Worship Hubs and their leaders to choose their level of engagement, from active participation to occasional involvement.

2. Flexibility and Adaptability:

• Customization: Autonomy enables Assemblies/Worship Hubs and their leaders to tailor their experience based on personal interests and availability.
• Adapt to Change: We recognize that GAI can evolve more effectively when Assemblies/Worship Hubs and their leadership have the autonomy to propose and implement changes.

3. Innovation and Creativity:

• Diverse Ideas: Autonomous Assemblies/Worship Hubs brings diverse perspectives, fostering innovation and creative problem-solving.
• Initiatives: Autonomy encourages Assemblies/Worship Hubs to initiate new projects, events, or initiatives in GAI.

1. Lack of Cohesion:

• Fragmentation: Too much autonomy without accountability can lead to fragmentation within the Great Awakening, hindering collective efforts.
• Misalignment: Assemblies/Worship Hubs and their leaders may pursue conflicting doctrines, goals, and feast day dates, affecting overall cohesion.

2. Risk of Inactivity:

• Passive Assemblies/Worship Hubs: Autonomy might result in some Assemblies/Worship Hubs to become passive or disengaged with Great Awakening International
• Accountability: Lack of accountability due to autonomy can lead to reduced commitment.

3. Decision-Making Challenges:

• Consensus Difficulties: Autonomy can make reaching consensus on important doctrinal and biblical calendric system matters challenging.
• Inequitable Influence: Unequal distribution of autonomy can lead to power imbalances.

At first glance, autonomy and independence might seem synonymous. However, in the context of GAI’s and leadership structure, these concepts have distinct meanings and implications.

Independence: refers to a state of self-sufficiency where individuals or groups operate without any external and broader control or influence. It suggests complete freedom from outside intervention, often leading to isolated decision-making processes.

Autonomy, on the other hand, encompasses self-governance and the ability to make decisions independently, but within a framework that includes accountability and alignment with broader goals of Great Awakening International. Autonomy in Great Awakening International implies freedom with responsibility, ensuring that individual actions are in harmony with our values and objectives.

To achieve a harmonious balance between autonomy and accountability, we adhere to the following principles:

Our approach to autonomy balanced with accountability is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. Proverbs 15:22 states, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed." This verse underscores the importance of collaborative decision-making and the value of collective wisdom.

Furthermore, Galatians 6:4-5 reminds us, "Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load." This passage highlights personal responsibility and the importance of individual accountability within a community.

In our leadership structure, autonomy is encouraged to inspire innovation, personal growth, and proactive leadership. However, this autonomy is balanced with accountability to ensure that our leaders' actions are in line with our mission and values.

By fostering a culture of balanced autonomy, we aim to create an environment where Assemblies/Worship Hubs and their Leaders feel empowered to take initiative, yet remain accountable to GAI and its collective vision.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

9Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

Proverbs 11:14

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Judges 18

7 Then the five men departed, and came to Laish, and saw the people that were therein, how they dwelt careless, after the manner of the Zidonians, quiet and secure; and there was no magistrate in the land, that might put them to shame in any thing; and they were far from the Zidonians, and had no business with any man.

8 And they came unto their brethren to Zorah and Eshtaol: and their brethren said unto them, What say ye?

9 And they said, Arise, that we may go up against them: for we have seen the land, and, behold, it is very good: and are ye still? be not slothful to go, and to enter to possess the land.

Laish (a Hebrew derivative of Leshem for “invader,” and also the word for Philistine). Laish was fortified with hulking man-made earthen ramparts that protected the city, but the Danites took it (Judges 18:29-30) because the Laish people were not connect to something bigger than themselves. The Great Awakening recognizes the importance of the need for Assemblies/Worship Hubs  that are not islands but are interdependent on each other.

Relationship is Key: The Great Awakening believes in the strength of relationships. We believe that no one should do the Awakening nor life alone and that we are better together. The Awakening can have some tough days and you will need people that believe in you and your vision for planting awakened Israelite Assemblies/Worship Hubs. With a strong “mish’pacha” culture and a solid network around the world, Assemblies/Worship Hubs and their Leadership will have the opportunity to build those relationships that are crucial for them personally.

Understanding the distinction between autonomy and independence is essential for Great Awakening International's growth and harmony. By embracing autonomy with accountability seen all throughout Torah, we can ensure that our local and international actions contribute positively to the mission of Great Awakening International.