A New Testament assembly of believers stands accountable to the Lord alone, an
autonomous unit that owes no allegiance to any ecclesiastical system established and
controlled by men. However, there is a prescribed pattern for leadership within a local
church, involving both elders and deacons (Philippians 1:1).

Spiritual leadership of an assembly is the responsibility of a plurality of elders (Titus 1
:5), also described as overseers (1 Timothy 3:1-2; Titus 1:5-7), pastors (Ephesians 4:11)
and leaders (RSV Hebrews 13:7,17,24).

Elders are responsible to shepherd the people of God (1 Peter 5:2; Acts 20:28). This
involves feeding (Acts 20:28), guarding (Acts 20:31), supporting (Acts 20:35), guiding by
exhortation (Titus I :9), and by example, (1 Peter 5:3; Hebrews 13:7). Ministries in which
the elders should be primarily involved include teaching, visitation, and counseling.
They meet regularly to pray and to discuss issues relating to the assembly. Individuals
in the assembly with concerns about personal or assembly related matters are
encouraged to approach one of the elders or to request a meeting with one or more of
them.

 

Elders are raised up by God (Acts 20:28) but are to be recognized and esteemed (1
Thessalonians 5:12-13) and obeyed (Hebrews 13:17) by those in the assembly. Elders
should be sensitive to the growth and activities of men in the assembly. Followed with the intention
of recognizing others who are doing the work and have the necessary qualifications. (1
Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9). Suggestions about recognizing a new elder will be
discussed by the elders and, if they concur and the brother agrees, the assembly will be
informed and their prayer support requested.

 

While the elder-pastors have a role of visiting and praying for the sick [James 5:14-15]
every member is encouraged to be active in the building, developing and growing of the
other as per their gifting and as the Spirit gives opportunities. To the best of our ability we want to encourage the mandate that every member has a
role and where everyone is a participant.

There are two practices specifically ordained and commanded of God. Believers’ Baptism involves immersion in water (Acts 8:38) and is a public confession by
a believer. (Acts 8:12) Of his or her identification with the Lord Jesus. It was commanded
by the Lord Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20), practiced by the early church (Acts 8:36-38), and

explained by the apostles as symbolizing the identification of the believer with the Lord
Jesus Christ in death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:4-5; Colossians 2:12). Candidates for baptism are expected to be mature enough to explain their experience of
salvation and understand the implications of baptism.

The Lord’s Supper is celebrated on the first day of each week (Acts 20:7). Since the
Lord Himself requested that we should celebrate this supper in remembrance of Him

(Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:20-34), it should be the desire of all those in the assembly to attend this meeting.

 

The meeting takes the form of spontaneous expressions of worship by men led by the
Holy Spirit. This happens in prayers, hymns, reading and expounding of Scriptures leading the
believers in remembrance and worship. (1 Corinthians 14:26), and partaking of the
emblems (bread and cup). This is not an opportunity to exalt self, to teach, to correct, or to pray for the needs of
ourselves or others.

All believers are called saints, Christians, and brethren; and all are equally members of
the one Body of Christ. (1 Cor.1:2; 12:12,27; Eph.3.6; 4:4; Heb.2:11-12).
We all equally are priests, all have a gift, and all are equally accepted. There is no
clergy-laity division (1 Pet. 2:5,9-10).
Thus, all Christians are of that holy priesthood and can offer spiritual sacrifices to God.
All have the right to go directly to God through Jesus Christ, our High Priest (Heb. 4:14-
16; Heb. 10:19-22).

Both men and women are made in the image of God [Gen 1:27]; additionally in the Lord
Jesus Christ there is no male or female [Gal 3:28]. Bible however makes a difference
between equality and sameness [1 Cor 11:11]. Each has a role to play that is applicable
within the family and in the church. This has been referred to as the principle of “male
headship.” [1 Corinthians 11:3]. “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ,
and the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God.”
We distinguish between ‘Teaching’ and ‘teaching’. The ‘Teaching’ functions are
authoritative and are given to men [1 Timothy 2:11,12; 1 Cor 14:33-35]. Women take
many roles in the church and are “co-workers” in the ministry [Philippians 4: 3]. They are

involved in the ‘teaching’ ministry including Sunday School, Ladies meeting and one-on-
one counseling [Titus 2:4]. We do not have woman in elder-pastor role.