Pendleton's lasting influence is most clearly seen in the Baptist emphasis on the autonomy of the local church.  The administration of ordinances, preaching, discipline, and support of Christ's kingdom throughout the world are each gospel functions which require faithful and biblical application.   Responsibility for the purity of these rites and practices rests on individual believers and is not transferable to other entities without risking the compromise of biblical precedent.  Hierarchies through which authority and power are transferred from local churches to administrative representatives dissolve the link between the local church and its ability to supervise the gospel functions it is held accountable for by God.  "I affirm with strongest emphasis that the independent form of government cherishes a sense of individual responsibility.  These who have to decide great questions by their votes are in a responsible position."

The historical significance of Pendleton's theology is closely tied to the impact of Southern Baptist Landmarkism.   Graves, Pendleton and Dayton comprised the Landmark "Triumvirate."  Collectively their leadership forged the movement.   Pendleton was, however, an independent thinker whose contribution to the movement ceased in 1862 when he moved to the Northern United States.  Hence, the "Triumvirate" dissolved before the Civil War ended.  Dayton died during the war, leaving Graves to carry on the polemic.

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	An Old Landmark Reset
	"What is a church? It is a company of believers, in covenant with God, essentially organized according to the gospel, holding the essential doctrines, and practicing the essential duties. If you demand more, you may not find a church on earth."
	Church Manual, Designed for the use of Baptist Churches
	In answer to the question, What is a church? it may be said: A church is a congregation of Christ's baptized disciples, acknowledging him as their Head, relying on his atoning sacrifice for justification before God, and depending on the Holy Spirit for sanctification, united in the belief of the gospel, agreeing to maintain its ordinances and obey its precepts, meeting together for worship, and cooperating for the extension of Christ's kingdom in the world. If any prefer an abridgment of the definition it may be given thus: A church is a congregation of Christ's baptized disciples, united in the belief of what he has said, and covenanting to do what he has commanded.