THE CHURCH

A. The nature of the Church

We believe the Church, in its universal context as the body of Christ, is composed of all believers regardless of name, race, nation or generation.

The local church, as a part of that body, is composed of a group of believers in Christ who have voluntarily joined together and are devoted to one another in love, so that the church can fulfill its purpose and mission.

For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
1 Corinthians 12:13, 27
Also see: Ephesians 1:22-23, 2:19-22; Colossians 1:18-20; Revelation 5:9

B. The purpose of the Church

The purpose of the Church is to glorify God. The Church glorifies God through worship and faithful participation in its God-given mission.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:5-6

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:11-14

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:11
Also see: 1 Chronicles 16:24; Psalm 34:3, 96:8; Romans 16:27; 1 Corinthians 10:31;
2 Corinthians 4:13-15; Galatians 1:4-5; Ephesians 3:20-21; Philippians 1:9-11, 4:20;
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; 1 Timothy 1:17; 1 Peter 2:9; 2 Peter 3:18; Jude 1:25; Revelation 1:6, 19:7

C. The mission of the Church

The mission of the Church is to make disciples for Jesus Christ.

Central to this mission is the proclamation of the Word of God for the equipping of each believer to become an effective witness so that the Church will grow to the glory of God.

The local church seeks to accomplish its mission by gathering together to participate in worship, instruction, fellowship and service, so that each believer will grow into the full measure of the stature of Christ and, in obedience to him, will reach out in witness to unbelievers. As the Church makes disciples, it becomes a force for restraining evil and producing righteousness in the world.

To help accomplish this mission worldwide, local churches may unite as a denomination. The denomination may cooperate with interdenominational groups of like faith and convictions.

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:18-20

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Act 1:8

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47
Also see: Matthew 24:14; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21-23; Acts 8:1-4;
2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 13:15-16; 1 Peter 2:9

D. The role of the pastor

The pastor is called by God to serve the Lord Jesus Christ through leading the congregation to achieve its purpose and mission.

This leadership is best expressed as the pastor lovingly leads, feeds, equips and protects the flock under his care.

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-13

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.
2 Timothy 4:2

Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;...
1 Peter 5:2
Also see: John 21:15-17; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:14-16; 1 Timothy 4:12-16; 2 Timothy 4:3-5;
1 Peter 5:1, 3-4

E. The role of the people

1. Leadership

Within each congregation God calls some believers to serve Jesus Christ through positions of leadership in the church's ministry.

This leadership is for the purpose of working with the pastor so that the church may achieve its purpose and mission.

Such leadership is best expressed as these persons function as models, shepherds and servants for the congregation.

But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.
1 Corinthians 12:18

Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.
1 Timothy 3:1

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
Also see: Acts 6:2-4; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Timothy 3:2-13, 4:16, 5:17; Titus 1:5-9; Hebrews 13:24

2. Congregation

God calls every believer to serve Jesus Christ through active participation in the church's ministry.

Such participation is best expressed as each believer:

- consistently grows in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ,

- respectfully submits to the leadership in the congregation,

- recognizes and joyfully uses spiritual gifts for ministry for the common good,

- obediently reaches out in witness to unbelievers.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
1 Corinthians 12:7

Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.
Hebrews 13:17-18

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
2 Peter 3:18
Also see: Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:2-6, 5:15-21, 6:10-18; Colossians 2:6-7, 4:2-6; Titus 3:1-2; 1 Peter 2:9-12, 3:15-16, 4:10-11; 1 John 1:3-4, 3; Jude 20-21

F. The gifts for the Church

Spiritual gifts are special endowments or abilities given by the Holy Spirit to each believer, enabling the believer to participate effectively in the church's ministry.

Properly exercised, every gift brings honor to Jesus Christ, produces unity, develops spiritual maturity within the body, and helps to complete the mission of the Church.

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10
Also see: Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 4:11

G. The ordinances of the Church

We believe that an ordinance is an outward ceremony symbolic of a spiritual truth or experience which was instituted by Christ for perpetual use by the Church. It is not a means of salvation but becomes a source of spiritual inspiration and strength as one is obedient to the Lord's command. We believe that the Christian ordinances are baptism and the Lord's Supper.

1. Baptism

We believe water baptism symbolizes the experience of regeneration and union

with Jesus Christ.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,...
Matthew 28:19

It is a public confession of the believer's identification with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection.

...having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
Colossians 2:12

Baptism is to be administered to believers only, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. We encourage immersion because this form of baptism clearly symbolizes its spiritual significance. However, other modes are recognized. Water baptism does not save or cleanse from sin. It is the answer of a good conscience toward God. Because of the scriptural instruction to baptize those who believe, because of the scriptural example that those who believed were baptized, and because of the clear meaning of baptism as indicated above, we recognize only baptism administered after a person has confessed faith in Jesus Christ, and we expect that all believers will be baptized.
Also see: Acts 8:36-38, 16:30-34

2. The Lord's Supper

We believe the Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ on the night of his betrayal and is to be observed by his Church until he returns.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom." When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Matthew 26:26-30

For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
1 Corinthians 11:26
Also see: Luke 22:19

We believe the Lord's Supper is a memorial of Christ's death, an expression of fellowship with God and with other believers, a testimony to saving faith, a visible seal of Christ's redemptive covenant, and the assurance of his promised return.

The Lord's Supper consists of partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, symbolizes the broken body and shed blood of Christ for the remission of our sins and reaffirms our continuing dependence upon him. Its observance is to be preceded by honest self-examination.

Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.
Corinthians 11:27-29

The communion table shall be open to all believers who know themselves to be in right relationship to God.