The Universal Church
We believe that the Church is the body and bride of Christ, a spiritual organism composed of all born-again believers in this present church age, inaugurated at Pentecost (Mt 16:16–18; Acts 1:5; 2:1–4; 11:15; 1 Cor 12:13; Eph 1:22–23; 5:25–32).
The Local Church
We believe that the local church is God’s ordained means for corporate worship, discipleship, and the fulfillment of the Great Commission. Each local church should be governed by a plurality of biblically qualified elders who shepherd and oversee the congregation (1 Thes 5:12–13; 1 Tim 3:1–7; 5:17–18; Acts 20:28).
This plurality of elders helps guard the church against authoritarianism, fosters accountability and humility among leaders, and reflects the shared pastoral care modeled in the New Testament (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5).
Deacons serve the church by assisting the elders through practical acts of service and support, strengthening the ministry of the Word and prayer without exercising governing authority (Acts 6:1–4; Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 3:8–13).
Believers are called to joyfully submit to the leadership of the church elders as they exercise biblical authority in the life of the local church (Heb 13:17; 1 Pet 5:5). This submission is not blind or coerced but flows from trust in God’s design for spiritual care and order (Acts 17:11).
Submission to Authorities
We believe that believers are also called to submit to governing authorities as established by God for the well-being and order of society. Christians are to obey civil authorities, recognizing that they are appointed by God and serve as His ministers for justice (Rom 13:1–7; 1 Tim 2:1–3; 1 Pet 2:13–17). However, submission to civil authority does not supersede obedience to Christ. When human authorities command what God forbids or forbid what God commands, believers must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).
Gathering Together
We believe that believers are called to meet together regularly as part of God’s design for mutual edification, encouragement, accountability, and the fulfillment of the “one another” commands in Scripture (Heb 10:24–25; Rom 12:10, 13; 1 Cor 12:25–27). In these gatherings, believers grow together in love and good works, exercise their spiritual gifts, and build one another up in the faith (Acts 2:42–47; Eph 4:11–16). The local church is not merely a place for worship but a living community where believers pursue intentional relationships that encourage spiritual growth and maintain unity in Christ.
The Ordinances of the Church
We believe that Christ instituted two ordinances for His Church.
Baptism
Baptism by immersion is a public testimony of a believer’s identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Mt 28:18–20; Acts 8:36–39; Rom 6:3–4; Col 2:12). Baptism does not save but serves as an outward sign of the inward transformation that has already taken place through faith in Christ. Therefore, baptism is for believers only.
The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is a memorial ordinance instituted by Christ, symbolizing His sacrificial death, affirming our fellowship with Him, and anticipating His return (Mt 26:26–28; 1 Cor 11:23–28). As believers partake together, they remember Christ’s finished work, examine their hearts in repentance and faith, and proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. Though the ordinance itself does not save, it is a means of grace through which the Spirit strengthens the believer’s faith as the gospel is visibly proclaimed.
The Roles of Men and Women in the Church
We believe that God calls and equips both men and women for meaningful service in the church. Women serve in vital roles, including teaching and discipling women and children (Tit 2:3–5; 2 Tim 1:5; 3:14–15), giving testimony to God’s work in their lives, and contributing to many areas of ministry (Rom 16:1–2; Acts 18:26). However, as taught in Scripture, the role of teaching men in the gathered church and serving as a pastor or elder is reserved for qualified men (1 Tim 2:12–14; 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9). We affirm this structure not as a cultural tradition but as obedience to God’s revealed order for His Church.