what we believe CONCERNING THE CHURCH

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​A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is first and foremost all the believers in the world. Secondly the church is all the believers in a region or a city. Thirdly the church is a local body of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel, observing the ordinances of Christ, committed to His teachings, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. 

​This church is an autonomous body, operating through self-government under the leadership and Lordship of Jesus Christ.  This government is under the headship of a five-fold Apostolic team which is the five office-gifts of Eph. 4:11-13; Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher.   The New Testament speaks also of the church as the body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages. 

​Confirming Scriptures: Matt.16:15-19, 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-47, 5:11-14, 6:3-6, 13:1-3, 14:23-27, 15:1-30, 16:5, 20:28, Eph.4:11-15.