The Local Church and Christian Ordinances

 

We believe that all believers during the dispensation of the church age make up the body of Christ. This church is demonstrated by the local assembly which is an independent, self governing body, not to be bound by an ecclesiastical hierarchy, however cooperation with other churches of like mind and faith is in accordance with the New Testament and honoring to God. The church is described as the center of preaching, teaching, discipleship, missionary work, ministry, fellowship and discipline. We believe that there are two ordinances administered by the local church: (1) Baptism by immersion as testimony to a believer’s faith in the death, burial and resurrection of the Savior; (2) the Lord’s Table which is a memorial service whereby the bread and cup call to the memory of the believer the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ for our sins. (Acts 2; 11:26; 13:1-3; 14:23; 15:4; Romans 6:3-6; I Corinthians 11:17-34; Ephesians 1:22, 23; 3:1-12; 5:23,24;  I & II Timothy)