“Doctrinal Statement on Ecclesiology”

Pastor John – 2023

My Doctrinal Statement on Ecclesiology

I. The nature and purpose of the church

I believe that the church has a unique nature and purpose. The nature of the church has its basis in Jesus Christ, as its founder and is where believers come together – as members of Christ’s body – guided by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:25; 1 Cor. 12:13; Titus 3:3-6; Acts 16:31). While there is no one true singular ecclesiastical body on earth, the true church is comprised of all believers wherever they may be (Eph. 1:22-23) in Christ (Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:47). The purpose of the church is for Christians to come together in worship (Col. 3:16; Eph. 1:12; Eph. 5:16-19), to nurture believers (Col. 1:28; Eph. 4:12-13) along with a ministry of evangelism and mercy (Matt. 28:19; Acts 11:29; 2 Cor. 8:4).

II. The church universal

I believe that the church is local and universal. The universal church is comprised of the invisible body of all believers (those believers already in heaven) – and the visible body of all believers (those believers throughout the entire world) (Eph. 5:25; 1 Cor. 12:28). The church is not a physical building, but should be referred to as such, in a spiritual sense (1 Pet. 2:4-8; Eph. 2:20).

III. The church local

I believe that while the church is universal, it is also local. The local manifestation of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:2) may range from a small group meeting privately (Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:19) to a larger gathering (1 Cor. 1:2; 1 Thess. 1:1; Acts 9:31). Like the universal church, the local church is not a physical building. Within the local ecclesiastical body, the Word of God is preached, believers are discipled, baptism and communion are administered, and Christians are called to strengthen each other in faith (Eph. 4:29; 1 Thess. 5:11).

IV. Church leadership

I believe that church leadership must be based on Scriptural truth and not personal preferences. Christ is always the invisible Head and leader of every church (Rev. 1:20; 2:9; 3:22). To be a part of the body of Christ does not require a formal agreement. Hereby, church leadership is based on God’s eternal and immutable will (Eph. 1:4; 2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 11:29) calling qualified believers to serve Jesus Christ; being ordained and to serve Him in specific leadership roles. As such, deacons, elders, evangelists and ministers, are surrendered to Christ (1 Pet. 5:2-3; Acts 22:10-16). This understanding – as guided by the power and Person of the Holy Spirit must shape and inform all decisions of leadership and governance within a church (Acts 14:23).

V. Church ordinances

I believe that church ordinances must be guided by the aforementioned Bible-based leadership principles and not deviate from them. As such, the church offices of pastor and elder must be solely limited to qualified Christian men recognized by the body, called by God, and meeting the Scriptural standard of becoming an elder (Titus 1:5-9). While women may serve in other capacities, they are not to be elders or pastors, and, are not to be in any position of spiritual authority over men within the church (1 Tim. 2:11-15; Titus 1:5-9). Following these principles, acknowledging the different God-given functions of men and women – such as federal headship (1 Tim. 3:2; 1 Tim. 2:12) – is fundamental to church ordinance and consistent with the order of creation (1 Cor. 11:3). Hence, these principles must neither be challenged, nor altered in any way. Amen.