Thats true. It's is often not taken into account that our idealistic theology needs to manifest itself within the context of a broken world, and hence a broken church.

We dont have the luxury of starting over again.

Just to comment on what you said, i fully agree with you on the topic of brotherly love between churches. Quite frankly though, that is not really relevant to authority is it? accountability yes, but leadership, no. Correct me if im wrong?

I struggle with the idea of central church government. I feel that somehow, in my ideal universe, the Spirit is the sole governer of the Kingdom, who appoints and annoints in a local (read non-global) capacity , except for special cases, which are almost always mission-based, evangelistic work. Once a church is up and running, i believe it should have its own independent leadership.

Of course, the ideal universe wouldnt need missions. What it would have though, is a God who is not grieved by humanistic efforts to justify another king for His kingdom.

Is it too mystical too assume that the Holy Spirit can handle the job of connecting the millions of dots that we cant?

What i do believe in though, is vessels, vessels who carry towels to where they are sent. But we should be careful of trying God's boots on for size...

What is the biblical perspective then, is autonomy a doctrine? Or is it an ideal?