We are simply Christians (Acts 11:26), followers of Christ, and we comprise a church that is “of Christ” (Romans 16:16). We do not wear or accept any designations not found in the Scriptures. We do not subscribe to any creed written by men. The Bible is our only guide. We are striving to be a church following the pattern found in the New Testament – in how we become Christians; in how we live as C
hristians; in what we teach; in the work we do as a church; and in the way we are organized. We are interested in honoring God, in following Christ, and learning, doing, and teaching only God’s word. We are people of the community – your neighbors, fellow-workers, and fellow-students. We are Christians who desire that all men be saved, just as God is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). WE STRIVE TO BE THE CHURCH
OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
It is our purpose to be identified with the Christians of the first century, something we believe to be possible for all who will learn, believe, and be guided by the plain teaching in God’s word. The word of God, “the seed of the kingdom” (Luke 8:11), when planted in the hearts of good and honest people, and obeyed, will produce Christians – nothing more and nothing less – just as it did in the first century. WE ARE NOT A DENOMINATION
It is our desire to be undenominational, to wear no other name than Christ’s, and to be known simply as Christians, members of the body of Christ (Acts 11:26; Ephesians 1:22-23). Collectively, we refer to ourselves as the church of Christ, the Lord’s church, or some other scriptural description to identify ourselves as the saved people belonging to Christ (Ephesians 5:23). WE HAVE NO HUMAN HEAD
There is no man, or group, that legislates for the local church. We have no one to answer to except the HEAD of the church (Colossians 1:18). As was true in the first century, congregations in different locations function independently of each other, each having Christ as Lord. There is no inter-congregational organization. Preachers are not “pastors” (unless they meet the qualifications of Scripture). They are simply teachers of the gospel, or evangelists. Preachers also do not wear any special titles, such as Reverend, Father, etc. In the Scriptures, only God is called reverend; he is our Father. THE BIBLE IS OUR ONLY GUIDE
The Bible alone governs us in faith and in conduct. While recognizing the guiding principles of the Old Testament, we seek to conform to the pattern of the New Testament (Hebrews 1:1-2; 1 Peter 4:11). We accept the Bible as being both verbally inspired and infallible in content (2 Peter 1:20-21; 1 Corinthians 2:11-13). When the Bible speaks upon any given subject, its pronouncement is accepted as final. No one may alter a single word with impunity (Deut. 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; Rev. 22:18-19). WHAT WE DO IN OUR WORSHIP ASSEMBLY
Our worship procedures are simple, spiritual, and orderly, keynoted by the words of Jesus who said, “True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24). Each element of worship has its origin in the commands and examples found in the New Testament. Singing
The entire assembly joins in singing gospel songs. There are no special groups or choirs, just simple congregational singing, for the purpose of praising God and teaching one another (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Since there is no evidence in the New Testament that the early church used mechanical instruments to accompany their singing, we do not use them in our worship. Prayer
The congregation is led in prayer by one of the men in the assembly. We pray to praise and thank God, as well as to ask for our needs and the needs of others (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Preaching
The lessons and sermons are designed to teach God’s word so as to encourage compliance by those who listen. We make no claims for sensationalism – just plain Bible teaching and study. The Lord’s Supper
Like the church during the time the New Testament was written, we partake of the Lord’s Supper each first day of the week (Acts 20:7). The supper consists of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine, as memorials of the body and blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:20-36). Giving as We Prosper
We do not take up a collection every time we meet, only on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). During our Sunday services, we pass the baskets as a convenience for our members to fulfill their responsibilities. We do not solicit, nor do we expect, money from our guests. Evangelist:
Stan Wenck 404-376-2722
