We believe and confess that, according to the New Testament, the totality of believers, without distinction of race, nationality, or social class, from all times, in heaven and on earth, form the Church of Christ: the Universal Church. This Church is not a visible earthly organization, but is the living, spiritual organism of the saved, that is, of those who have believed in Christ and have been born again.
Hebrews 12:23 “…to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven…”
Acts 20:28 “…the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”
Matthew 16:18 “…on this rock I will build my church…”
Ephesians 1:22-23 “…the church, which is his body…”
In the Greek language, the word for Church (ekklesia) meant an assembly of those called out from their homes and businesses to deal with matters of public interest. This word was adapted to name not only the Universal Church, but also a Local Church, an organized and independent assembly of Christ's followers in a specific place, who gathered for worship.
The Local Church, according to the teaching of the New Testament, is the voluntary union of a group of believers in one location, who have been born again and baptized upon personal confession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. They unite together for the purpose of worshipping God, spiritual edification, preserving the purity of Christian faith and doctrine, in accordance with the teaching of the New Testament, and collaborating in the proclamation of God's Word.
In the beginning, the Church met in private homes.
Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Romans 16:5 “Greet also the church in their house.”
1 Corinthians 16:19 “Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house…”
Colossians 4:15 “Give my greetings to Nympha and the church in her house.”
Acts 8:1 “…the church in Jerusalem…”
Galatians 1:22 “…the churches of Christ in Judea.”
1 Corinthians 1:2 “To the church of God that is in Corinth…”
The direct headship of the Church belongs to Christ through the Holy Spirit. We do not recognize hierarchical ranks. Those who receive specific assignments are servants of the Church, not masters who command.
Colossians 1:18 “And he [Christ] is the head of the body, the church.”
Ephesians 1:22-23 “…and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body…”
Ephesians 5:23 “Christ is the head of the church…”
1 Peter 5:3 “not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.”
Membership in the Church is not inherited, but is received individually through the new birth. Acceptance into the membership of a local church is voluntary and personal, following baptism by immersion, based on the confession of faith in the Lord Jesus. The members, among themselves, are called brothers and sisters and are equal in rights and obligations regardless of race, nationality, social class, or educational background.
Matthew 23:8 “For you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.”
Ephesians 5:30 “because we are members of his body.”
Acts 2:41 “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”
The organization of the local church is based on the principle of autonomous democracy.
The divine program aims for the establishment of God's Kingdom in the hearts of people, and the churches are the means chosen by God to achieve this goal. The churches have the calling to glorify God, to spread the Gospel, and, through fraternal fellowship, to provide the necessary spiritual growth for every individual member.
Mark 16:15 “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
Ephesians 4:11-12 “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…”
1 Corinthians 14:4 “…the one who prophesies builds up the church.”
1 Corinthians 14:5, 12 “…so that the church may be built up.”