We believe and teach that in the current era, commencing at Pentecost (Acts 2), Christ is building His Church (Matthew 16:18). The Church of which Christ is the Head (e.g. Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18) is variously depicted as His Body (e.g. Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:13), His Bride (e.g. 2 Corinthians 11:2), a building, spiritual house, or sanctuary (e.g. 1 Corinthians 3:9, 16-17; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:20-22; Colossians 2:7; 1 Peter 2:5), branches of which He is the life source (John 15:1-8), the flock of the Shepherd (e.g. John 10:11; 1 Peter 2:25), etc. This Church exists both universally (i.e. the total number of genuine disciples throughout Church history) and locally (i.e. local assemblies). Although salvation is bestowed and appropriated individually, the scriptural focus is always upon the corporate body within which the individual is to be a complementary, contributing member (e.g. Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-27). Christ establishes and oversees this unity and diversity in order that the local Church might become the primary context for worship and service, especially including edification and evangelism (e.g. Ephesians 4:1-16). The primary purpose of the Church, whether viewed from the local perspective or the universal, is to glorify God (e.g. Ephesians 1:2-14; 3:21).

The Scriptures establish two categories of office within the Church: elders (also designated overseers or bishops, and pastor-teachers) and deacons (e.g. Philippians 1:1) to lead and serve the flock under Christ. Those who serve in these capacities must be qualified biblically (e.g. 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-5) by being men of noteworthy integrity (i.e. above reproach). They must be characterized by an unwavering love and commitment to their own wife (deaconesses must be similarly qualified for service within the body (e.g. 1 Timothy 3:11)). The shepherds of the church, having a divinely delegated authority, are especially accountable for the spiritual welfare of their Master's flock. He will judge both shepherds and sheep as to their spiritual faithfulness (e.g. Hebrews 13:7, 17).

Since the primary purpose of the Church is to glorify God, it is His ordained context for both discipleship and discipline. Everything in particular carried out by the Church must be done appropriately and in order (e.g. 1 Corinthians 14:40).

Within the context of the assembly (e.g. Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 14:19, 23, 28-35; Hebrews 10:24-25) the primary ordinances of believers' baptism by immersion (e.g. Matthew 28:16-20; Romans 6:1-14) and communion (e.g. 1 Corinthians 10:14-22; 11:17-34) are to be perpetuated. It is also the context for preserving purity (cf. Leviticus 11:44; 20:24-26; 1 Peter 1:4-16) including the Scriptural obligations of discipline and separation (e.g. Matthew 18:15-17; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 5:1-8; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11; 6:14-7:1; Galatians 6:1; Ephesians 5:11-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; Titus 3:9-11; 2 John 7-11).

Each local church is independent or autonomous in status although there may be occasions of interdependence among local assemblies of the same mindset and loyalty to the Lord and His Word (e.g. Acts 15:19-31; Romans 15:26-27).

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