Overall, we are a local congregation of penitent, baptized believers who seek to follow Jesus Christ as revealed in His word (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:36-38, 47; John 8:31-32; Colossians 3:17; Luke 6:46; Matthew 11:27).
In order to do this, we strive to learn all God says on any question that arises. By taking all God says on any subject, we learn what truth is on that subject (Psalm 119:160). Handling it accurately is necessary (2 Timothy 2:15). Therefore, teaching all of God’s word and encouraging everyone to follow Jesus Christ’s example are foundational to our existence as a local church of God’s people (1 Timothy 3:15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Since God’s word is all-sufficient to instruct us in all matters of doctrine and godly living, (Colossians 3:17; 2 Peter 1:3-4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17), and in it He warns of going beyond what is therein revealed (Deuteronomy 4:2; 1 Corinthians 4:6; 2 John 9), we emphasize the Lord’s authority in all matters of faith and practice, both individually as well as for the church.
Consequently, we encourage everyone to respect the Lord Jesus Christ and His authority (Matt. 28:18-20), obey His gospel (Mark 16:15-16), and strive to emulate Him in word, thought, and action (Colossians 3:1-4; 1 Peter 2:21).
No one is ever asked to be, do, or say anything except what can be found authorized in the New Testament.
What you can expect:
Bible classes are available. Since the only way we can come to God through Jesus Christ is by being taught (John 14:6; 6:44-45), we encourage everyone to be a part of these classes. Continuing to learn God’s word is necessary for one to grow spiritually (1 Peter 2:1-2; 2 Pet. 3:18). Teaching / learning was a large part of what the Lord’s people were about (Acts 2:42; 5:28, 42; 8:4).
Worship is scriptural, spiritual, and joyful. As we strive to imitate what New Testament churches did under the oversight of the apostles, members of local churches of Christ ate the Lord’s supper in memory of Jesus’ death and gave as each individual was prospered every first day of the week – Sunday (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; 16:1-2). Preaching, singing and praying were also a part of assembly worship of New Testament churches (1 Corinthians 14).
A warm welcome. Jesus taught everyone to “love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matt. 22:29). Paul taught Christians to be “kind one to another, tenderhearted” (Eph. 4:32). Love, being pleasant, kind, and compassionate are all characteristics of genuine Christians. When these qualities are in abundance among a group of people meeting in one place, visitors should feel warmly received and welcomed.
Essentially, we are a church patterned after what Jesus’ apostles instructed churches to be and do in the 1st century. Consequently, we are not…
- A recreational center.
- A social / civic center.
- A welfare society.
- A political action committee.
- A country club.
But a church striving to carry out God’s purpose for local churches as revealed in the New Testament. This primarily involves our spiritual growth as individuals, and our preaching and teaching others to do the same (Eph. 4:11-16).