Plymouth Brethren emphasize local church autonomy and reject formal denominational hierarchy or ordained clergy. Authority within the assembly rests with recognized elders who are gifted and spiritually mature believers, though these are not ordained in a formal institutional sense. The Brethren developed an egalitarian ecclesiology rooted in the priesthood of all believers. Decisions are typically made by consensus of the assembly rather than by hierarchical authority. This distinctive polity was grounded in Darby's understanding of Scripture and remains a defining feature of Brethren identity.