The Church
Statement of Belief
We believe that the Church is the body of Christ, comprised of all believers, and exists to carry out His mission in the world. We also believe that the local church exists to also serve and nurture its members and the surrounding community.
Matthew 16:18 — Ephesians 2:19-22 1)
Additional Information
In a world filled with uncertainty and constant change, the Church stands as a beacon of hope and unity for those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ. This Church, the very body of Christ, is a living, breathing entity, made up of believers from all walks of life (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 2:19-22). Our Lord Jesus Himself declared, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18).
One of the most beautiful aspects of the Church is that it transcends cultural, racial, and social boundaries. As the apostle Paul explains in Ephesians, “So then you are no longer foreigners and noncitizens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household” (Ephesians 2:19). This spiritual unity is not just a lofty ideal but a tangible reality experienced by those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ. The Church is not a building, nor is it an institution; it is the living, dynamic body of Christ that continues His work on earth.
The foundation of the Church is built upon the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). As believers, we are living stones that form the spiritual house of God (1 Peter 2:5). We are called to serve one another, using our spiritual gifts to build each other up in love (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Just as a physical body relies on its various parts to function effectively, so too does the Church rely on each believer to contribute their unique gifts and talents for the good of the whole.
The mission of the Church is multifaceted. First and foremost, the Church exists to glorify God and make known His love, grace, and truth to the world. This is accomplished through worship, prayer, and the proclamation of the Gospel (Matthew 28:18-20). The Church is also called to be a place of transformation, where believers are encouraged and equipped to grow in their faith, becoming more like Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16).
Furthermore, the Church is to be a refuge for the brokenhearted, a place where healing and restoration can be found. Jesus demonstrated this mission throughout His ministry by reaching out to the downtrodden, the outcasts, and the sinners, offering them hope and forgiveness. As the body of Christ, we are called to do the same, extending love and grace to those who are hurting and in need.
In these challenging times, the Church stands as a testament to the power of God's love and the unity that can be found in Christ. As believers, we have the privilege and responsibility to be a part of this incredible, life-changing body. Together, let us commit to being the hands and feet of Jesus, carrying out His mission in the world, and demonstrating the transforming power of His love. (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 2:19-22)
So far we have spoken about the global Church, the full Body of Christ; however, every local church is a microcosm of that Church. They are therefore subject to the same blessings and benefits, conditions and commissions, but their focus is on the well-being of their members and service to their community. All that has been said about the Church applies as well to the churches, but in more of a limited, personal, and practical way.