Choosing a Local Church

Many people give little thought as to why they are part of one local church rather than another. When they are asked to give reasons, typical responses include, “Our children like the youth program”; “My family has gone there for years”; “We like the building”; “The people are friendly.”

It is quite true that the local church should be family‑oriented, should have a friendly Christian atmosphere, and should provide opportunities for involvement for young and old alike. But as important as these things are (and some of them should be characteristic of the local church), none is more important than, or even as important as, adherence to the Bible alone in all matters of faith and practice. It is this that we should look for in a local church. In fact, if this is present, then the other important characteristics will be present automatically.

What is Believers’ Fellowship?

It is the purpose of Believers’ Fellowship to function as a local church in accordance with the principles taught by the apostles and found in the New Testament. We are independent and nondenominational; we hold to the Word of God as the only authority for faith and practice; and we view apostolic teaching as valid for our age and culture. We are not “charismatic.”

Some people may feel that we are trying to be different just to be different. But that is not our purpose. Everyone should remember that we have to examine the Bible continually and adjust our practices according to what the Spirit of God shows us. While we do not want to offend anyone, at times it takes straight talk to clarify issues.

We encourage you to compare what we teach with the Bible and we extend a warm and Christian welcome to anyone who desires to meet with us.

The nature of the church according to the New Testament

The universal church, also known as the Body of Christ (Eph. 1:22‑23), the “family of God” (1 Pet. 4:17), consists of all true Christians everywhere, while a local church is the sum of all who belong to Christ in any given location (1 Cor. 1:2).

The only Head of the church local and universal is Christ, the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4). No human being can assume that place. Elders, men who meet strict qualifications (1 Tim. 3:1‑7) and who are recognized by believers as having been appointed by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28), have a special responsibility for governing the affairs of the local church (1 Pet. 5:1‑4). The New Testament distinguishes between a place of service (or office) and a spiritual gift. “Elder” is a place of service; “shepherding” or “pastoring” is a gift. No church in the New Testament is said to have had a man who served as “the pastor.” According to God's Word, the office does not exist.

Spiritual gifts operate in and originate from the church: evangelist, exhorter, shepherd‑teacher and others (Eph. 4:11).

All teaching must be in agreement with and based on Scripture, and, along with all exercising of gifts, should have the goal of bringing the Body of Christ to maturity (Eph. 4:11‑16).

The church is to have regular open meetings (Heb. 10:25; 1 Cor. 14:26) where all, as priests before God, participate in worship centered on the Lord’s Table, and men have the opportunity to participate orally as guided by the Holy Spirit.

The power that sustains the local body is found in the Spirit of God. No man‑made machinery can serve as a substitute. Zechariah told us 24 centuries ago, “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty” (Zech. 4:6). This verse, originally addressed to Israel, is perfectly applicable to the life of the local church.

Advantages of following the teaching of the New Testament in regard to local church organization and practice

· It fulfills the need for Christ to be Head.

· It allows the full counsel of the Word of God to be applied to the individual believer and the local church.

· It provides more balanced ministry, edifying people through spiritual gifts.

· It gives more opportunity for the use of gifts and provides a structure for development of gifts, especially speaking gifts.

· It allows the free work of the Holy Spirit.

· It encourages gifted speakers to open the Bible accurately and in ways that capture the attention of hearers..

· It makes believers more aware of their responsibilities before God.

· It provides, through multiple leadership, a means for uncovering and stopping doctrinal error.

· It is adaptable in times of persecution.

· It encourages natural evangelism.

· It encourages greater awareness of and participation in missions.

· It discourages placing our confidence in human beings.

· It is adjustable to all societies.

We encourage you to compare what is written here with the Word of God.