We believe the church is a New Testament institution established by Jesus Christ to accomplish His work in this age. Its mission of making disciples is set forth in the Great Commission. The church represents the living spiritual body of Christ, who is its head, and His future bride. It includes all believers from Pentecost until the rapture and is expressed through local assemblies of baptized believers who gather for worship, fellowship, and service.
Each local church is self-governing and answerable only to Christ. It is led by pastors and deacons and observes the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism is by immersion for believers, and the Lord’s Supper is a commemoration reserved for those walking in obedience.
Scripture: Matthew 28:16–20; Acts 2:28–47; 8:30–39; Romans 6:3–5; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 11:26–34; 12:14–27; Ephesians 1:22–23; 4:11–15; 5:23–32; Colossians 1:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 1 Timothy 3:10–15