The Church

We teach that all who place their faith in Jesus Christ are immediately baptized by the Holy Spirit into one united spiritual Body, the Church (I Cor. 12:12-13), of which Christ is the Head (Eph 1:22; 4:15; Col. 1:18), and which is His espoused Bride (II Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:23-32; Rev. 19:7-8).

We teach that the formation of this Body began on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-21, 38-47) and will be completed at the coming of Christ for His own at the Rapture (I Cor. 15:51-52; I Thess. 4:13-18).

We teach that the Church, then, is a unique spiritual organism designed by Christ (Matt. 16:18), made up of all born-again believers in this present age (Eph. 2:11- 3:6). The Church is distinct from Israel (I Cor. 10:32), a mystery not revealed until this age (Eph. 3:3-6, 9-10; 5:32).

We teach that the establishment and continuity of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:21-23, 27; 20:17, 28; Gal. 1:2; Phil. 1:1; I Thess. 1:1; II Thess. 1:1), and that the members of this one spiritual Body are directed to associate themselves together in local assemblies (I Cor. 11:18-20; Heb. 10:25).

We teach that the one, supreme authority for the Church is Christ (Eph. 1:22; Col. 1:18), and that the order, discipline, and worship are appointed through His sovereignty. The biblically designated officers serving under Christ and over the assembly are pastors (also called bishops, elders, and pastor-teachers); Acts 20:28; Eph. 4:11.

We teach that these leaders lead or rule as servants of Christ (I Tim. 5:17-22) and have His authority in directing the Church. The congregation is to submit to their leadership (Heb. 13:7, 17).

We teach the disciplining of sinning members of the congregation in accord with the standards of I Corinthians 5:1-13; II Thessalonians 3:6-15; I Timothy 1:19-20; Titus 1:10-16.

We teach the autonomy of the local church, free from any external authority or control, with the right of self- government and freedom from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations. We teach that it is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other for the presentation and propagation of the faith. However, each local church through its pastors and their interpretation and application of Scripture is the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation as on all matters of membership, policy, discipline, benevolence, and government (Acts 15:19-31, 20:28; I Cor. 5:4-7, 13; Titus 1:5; I Peter 5:1-4).

We teach that the purpose of the Church is to glorify God (Eph. 3:2 1) by building itself up in the faith (Eph. 4:13- 16), by instruction of the Word (II Tim. 2:2, 15; 3:16-17), by fellowship (Acts 2:42; I John 1:3), by keeping the ordinances (Luke 22:19; Acts 2:38-42), and by advancing and communicating the Gospel to the entire world (Matt. 28:19; Acts 1:8).

We teach the calling of all saints to the work of the ministry (I Cor. 15:58; Eph. 4:12).

We teach the accomplishment of God’s purpose in the world. For the accomplishment of that purpose, He has given the Church spiritual gifts. First, He gives gifted men for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:7-12). He also gives unique and special abilities to each member of the Body of Christ (Romans 12:5-8; I Cor. 12:4-3 1; I Peter 4:10-11). At the moment of spiritual birth every believer receives such a gift or gifts. These gifts are sovereignly bestowed and cannot be sought (I Cor. 12:11). It is essential that every believer discover, develop and employ his or her spiritual gift or gifts for the edification of the Body and the accomplishment of the work of Christ in the world (Romans 12:3-8; IPeter4:10-11).

We teach that two ordinances have been committed to the local church: baptism (Matt. 28:19) and the Lord’s Supper (I Cor. 11:23-26). Christian baptism by immersion (Acts 8:36-39) is the testimony of a believer showing forth in solemn and beautiful emblem his faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, and his union with Him in death to sin, and resurrection to a new life (Romans 6:1-11). It is also a sign of fellowship and identification with the visible Body of Christ (Acts 2:41 – 42).

We teach that the Lord’s Supper is the commemoration and proclamation of His death until He comes (I Cor. 11:26) and should always be preceded by solemn self examination (I Cor. 11:28).

Also we teach that while Christ’s flesh and blood are not actually present, the Lord’s Supper is nevertheless an actual communion with the risen Christ who is present in a unique way, fellowshipping with His people (I Cor. 10:16).