The church is not a building — it is the body of believers redeemed by the blood of Christ.
The doctrine of the church reveals God’s divine blueprint for His people — a called-out assembly of baptized believers united in faith, fellowship, and doctrine. We call ourselves a Baptist church.
It teaches that the church is Christ’s body, His bride, and His earthly testimony to the world.
Every believer should understand the doctrine of the church, because God’s plan for the Christian life cannot be separated from His plan for the local church.
This doctrine is a vital part of our Statement of Faith.
Matthew 16:18
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
1. The Church Is Founded by Christ
The doctrine of the church begins with Jesus Christ Himself — its Founder, Builder, and Head.
He did not entrust His church to man’s invention or organization; He established it by His own authority. The church exists because of Christ’s sacrifice and His promise to build it upon the truth of His Word.
Ephesians 1:22–23
And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Colossians 1:18
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
The Doctrine of Jesus Christ establishes the foundation for the doctrine of the church, reminding us that the church belongs entirely to Him.
2. The Church Is a Local, Visible Assembly
The doctrine of the church emphasizes that believers gather visibly in local congregations — assemblies where they worship, fellowship, and labor together in the Gospel.
The local church is autonomous, governed by the Bible, and led by God-called men according to Scripture.
Acts 2:41–42
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
1 Corinthians 1:2
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints.
A biblical church is not a corporation or social group but a spiritual family — united in truth and obedience.
The doctrine of the church rejects denominational control, worldly entertainment, and human tradition as substitutes for true worship.
3. The Church’s Mission: Preach the Gospel and Make Disciples
The doctrine of the church defines its mission clearly — to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and edifying the saved.
The church exists to obey the Great Commission and carry the Gospel to every creature.
Matthew 28:19–20
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Mark 16:15
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
The Doctrine of Salvation provides the message that fuels the mission — and the doctrine of the church provides the method.
4. The Church Has Two Ordained Offices
The doctrine of the church teaches that there are only two ordained offices in the local assembly: pastor (bishop) and deacon. The requirements for these two offices are very clear, including the requirement to be a man (not a woman).
The pastor leads spiritually; the deacon serves practically. This order preserves accountability, clarity, and biblical simplicity. We believe a church can and should have many pastors and deacons as the church grows.
1 Timothy 3:1–2
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach.
1 Timothy 3:10, 13
And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. … For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
The Doctrine of God the Father reflects divine order, which is mirrored in the doctrine of the church through leadership and service.
5. The Church Is the Pillar and Ground of the Truth
The doctrine of the church establishes the church as the visible guardian of divine truth. It upholds Scripture, proclaims sound doctrine, and defends the faith against error and apostasy.
1 Timothy 3:15
But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
The Doctrine of the Scriptures gives the church its foundation; the doctrine of the church ensures that foundation never moves.
Application and Affirmation
The doctrine of the church reminds believers that Christianity is not a solo pursuit — it is a body united by faith and fellowship.
God calls every believer to commit to a local church, to serve faithfully, and to stand boldly for truth.
Ephesians 5:25–27
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Affirmation:
- The doctrine of the church teaches that Christ alone is the Head.
- The church is a local, visible assembly of baptized believers.
- Its mission is to preach the Gospel and make disciples.
- It recognizes two ordained offices — pastor and deacon.
- It is the pillar and ground of the truth.
