The Church
We believe that the New Testament Church is composed of all persons who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit since the day of Pentecost following Christ’s resurrection and ascension.[1]We believe that the Church is the spiritual body of Christ, of which He is the Head.[2]We believe that this body expresses itself in local assemblies in which believers are in a covenant relationship with God our Father and with one another by virtue of our union together in Christ.[3]We believe this covenant relationship is expressed corporately through hearing the Word of God proclaimed, engaging in worship, practicing the two ordinances of believer’s baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper,[4]building up each other’s faith,[5]holding each other accountable through biblical love and discipline,[6]and engaging in local and world evangelization in obedience to Christ’s command to make disciples of all peoples.[7]Biblically designated leaders must meet the biblical qualifications for their role and submit to the headship of Christ, emulating His servant leadership.[8]We believe the role of elders is reserved for biblically qualified males.[9]Each local church is to choose, support, and submit to those who serve as elders.[10]
[1]Acts 2; 5:11; 9:31; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 27 [2]1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:15-16; Colossians 1:18 [3]Matthew 26:26-29; Luke 22:14-20; Hebrews 9:11-15; Romans 12:3-5; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; 11:23-26; 12:12-13; Galatians 1:1-3; Philippians 1:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1-2 [4]Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:38, 41-42, 46-47; Acts 8:12, 35-39; 9:10-19; 16:13-15, 25-34; 19:1-7; Romans 6:1-7; Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 [5]1 Corinthians 14:26; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:24-25; Jude 20-21 [6]Matthew 18:15-35; Galatians 6:1-2; Hebrews 3:12-13 [7]Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:8; Revelation 5:9-10 [8]Matthew 20:25-28; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-5 [9]Philippians 1:1 (overseersand deaconsare masculine plural nouns); 1 Timothy 3:1-2; Titus 1:5-6; 1 Peter 5:1-3 (eldersis a masculine plural noun) [10]Acts 6:2-6; 15:22; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; Hebrews 13:7, 17
