We teach that the church is composed of all true believers who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit. The church exists to proclaim the gospel, nurture disciples, and glorify God in all things. The elders of the church are responsible for doctrine, administration, and discipline.

In the New Testament, the English term “church” is used to translate the Greek word ekklésia, which means a congregation or assembly. It refers to the collective body of believers in Jesus Christ who have received God’s Holy Spirit. For example, in 1 Corinthians 12:13, Paul wrote, “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit” (NASB).

After His resurrection, Jesus gathered His disciples and gave them the Great Commission. In Matthew 20:19-20, He said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

In addition to preaching the Gospel and nurturing disciples, Christians should also strive to bring glory and honor to God. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told His disciples, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt 5:16).

Jesus also established an organizational structure and system of governance for the church. In Acts 20:28, Paul exhorted the elders from Ephesus, saying, “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”

The apostles routinely selected certain men in each congregation as elders and deacons to carry out the functions of the church. For example, in 1 Timothy 5:17, Paul said, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” And, in Titus 2:15, Paul also wrote, “Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”

Therefore, the elders of the church are responsible for doctrine, administration, and discipline within the body of Christ.

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All Scriptures are from the English Standard Version unless otherwise noted.