Church Function

Worship gatherings must function according to what God has revealed in his word.

Devoted to the apostles teaching (Acts 2:42, 1 Timothy 4:11-12, 2 Timothy 4:1-2)
Devoted to the fellowship (Acts 2:42, Hebrews 10:24-25)
Devoted to the breaking of bread (communion) (Acts 2:42, Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:18-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-29)
Devoted to the prayers (Pastoral and congregational) (Acts 2:42)
Devoted to the reading of the word of God (1 Timothy 4:13)
Devoted to singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to one another (Ephesians 5:19-20, Colossians 3:16-17)
Multiple worship gatherings a week. (Acts 2:46)
Family integrated gatherings (Deuteronomy 31:12-13; 2 Chronicles 20:13; Ezra. 10:1; Psalm 96:7-9; Psalm 148:12-13; Matthew 19:13-14; Mark. 9:36; 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17; Col. 3:20; Ephesians. 6:1-4; Nehemiah 12:43; Psalm 78:1-4)

2. Biblical leadership must function according to what God has revealed in his word.

The life and character of both the Elders and Deacons must accord with the descriptions given in God’s word. By no means is the standard perfection, but consistent Godly character must be visible and ongoing. (1 Timothy 1:1-13, Titus 1:5-9)
The Elders and Deacons must affirm the teachings laid out in each of the confessions and creeds.
- The office of Elder: Elders must function as men who shepherd the flock through two primary ministries: first, spending significant time in the study of God’s word in order to teach it by way of the pulpit, classes, or one-on-one discipleship. Two, spending significant time in prayer and intercession for the bride of Christ. The elder primarily labors in these ministries until Christ is formed in the people. (Acts 6:1-7, Acts 20:28, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, 1 Peter 5:1-3, Titus 1:5-9, Galatians 4:19)
- The office of Deacon: Deacons must function as men who serve in administration & organization to meet the physical needs of the church. (Acts 6:1-7, 1 Timothy 3:8-13)

3. Church membership must be laid out biblically

Church membership: Why?
- Be devoted to the fellowship. (acts 2:42)
- Obey established leaders. (Hebrews 13:7, 17)
- Fulfill the duties and responsibilities toward “one another” (love, seek peace and unity, care, watch over, edify, bear one another’s burdens…etc).
- Fulfill the command for church discipline. (Matthew 18:15-17)
Who can be a member?
- Born again Christians. We believe the Apostle’s creed to be a sufficient creed to establish the basic doctrines of the biblical Gospel. Members must confess and believe the Apostle’s creed. (1 Corinthians 12:3,12-13, 27)
What is a member required to covenant to?
- Attend gatherings regularly. (Hebrews 10:25)
- Utilize their spirit-empowered giftings to build up the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 14:13)
- Partake of communion appropriately. (1 Corinthians 11:23-30)
- Give regularly. (2 Corinthians 9:6-15)
- Pray regularly. (Acts 2:42)
- Submit to the Godly leadership of the church. (Hebrews 13:7-9, 17)
- Attend members’ meetings consistently.

4. Regular Men’s bible study:

This is to propel men forward in their maturity at a quicker pace than the rest of the congregation. We must take up the commission to teach men who will be able to teach others. In doing so, God may raise faithful and biblical men who can lead their families, the church, and communities. (2 Timothy 2:2, Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Timothy 4)

5. Regular prayer gatherings:

The church must be habitually devoted to praying together. (Acts 2:42, Acts 1:14, James 5:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, 25, Ephesians 6:17-18 )

6. Regular evangelism:

The church must be habitually devoted to sharing the gospel with the lost. Starting in the immediate community and extending out to the world. (Matthew 28:18, John 10:16, Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15)

7. Regular engagement in ministry to the weak and vulnerable:

The church must be habitually devoted to ministering to the weak and vulnerable. First, to those in the household of Faith, then to those in the immediate community, and extending out to the world. (James 1:27, Matthew 25:31-39, Isaiah 1:17, Galatians 6:10, Matthew 28:19-20)

8. Confessionally Reformed:

We will teach and hold to the: Westminster standards, Apostles Creed, Nicene Creed, The Athanasian creed, The Chalcedonian Creed (The definition of Chalcedon), The Canons of Dort, The Nashville Statement.