What is a Local Church?
In Matthew 16:18 the Lord Jesus Christ speaks of ‘my church’. Despite all the denominations we have today, there was originally only one ‘church’ or ‘ekklesia’ (ek- out of; kaleo – to call) which referred to the first group of ‘called out’ believers in the New Testament (Acts 15:14). It was further used in a ‘local’ sense as describing believers gathered together in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ alone (Matthew 18:20).
After the day of Pentecost many such gatherings were established throughout the known world. Never in the Bible does the word ‘church’ refer to a building or a specific locality. It is made up of individual people – believers on the Lord Jesus Christ.
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With early persecution the church spread from Jerusalem to outlying regions as believers were forced to flee for their lives. Though originally following the principles set down by the early apostles and teachers, these groups gradually began to drift away doctrinally from the teachings of the Word of God.
By the latter part of the first century, there were already many sects, divisions, and denominations. However, there have always been those who sought to follow the original precepts set down by scripture.
In the 15th century, many fundamental truths of the Bible were ‘re-discovered’, including justification by faith alone. the 1800’s saw many believers in parts of Europe return to scriptural principles that had been replaced by tradition and man-made religions. Many truths were restored and spread worldwide, such as the rapture of the church, believer’s baptism, the priesthood of all believers, among others.
The ‘Breaking of Bread’
Sometimes called the Lord’s Supper, this is a very special meeting for believers. It is kept in response to the Lord’s request in Luke 22:19-20, ” … this do in remembrance of Me.” The followers of Christ remember Christ’s death every Lord’s Day (Sunday) as indicated in the scriptures (Acts 20:7). This practice had always been associated with an established local ‘church’, never arbitrarily. There are often ‘observers’ who attend these meetings (1 Corinthians 14:16, 23- 24), though not actively participating. The reason for this is two-fold: (1) that observers may witness how the meeting is conducted and decide for themselves if they would like to join the local gathering and practice this scriptural ordinance, and (2) that the assembly would not unwittingly allow unbelievers or false teachers into the company.
The meeting is simple, yet meaningful. Believers sit around a table on which there is a loaf of bread and a cup of wine. Various prayers of thanksgiving and praise are offered, followed by the passing of the emblems from hand to hand. At the end of the meeting a free-will monetary offering is collected from assembly members as a practical token of worship and thanksgiving. The meeting is typically followed with a time of refreshment and fellowship whereby newcomers can become acquainted with the local believers.
Gospel Preaching
The Gospel ‘meeting’ is a very important meeting for assembly Christians. After all, it is through the gospel message heard from friends or through public preaching that we came to know our sins forgiven in the first place! You need to know where you will be in eternity. The Bible says that you can!
Please feel free to come along and hear the good news of the gospel!
Speakers present a gospel message based on verses in the Bible. There are no altar calls or collections. Your decision to repent and believe the Gospel is a personal one, but believers would love to answer your questions and concerns.
Conversational Bible Study
Everyone is invited to join in weekly Bible studies. Each Sunday (often during the Sunday School hour) the Christians gather around God’s Word and discuss it, verse-by-verse and chapter-by-chapter in a conversational manner. In this manner, there is usually a progression through different books of the Bible during the year. Sometimes other formats are used or there are special teaching sessions. Bring a Bible and join us for an uplifting look at God’s Word!
Prayer and Bible Study/Teaching
Another essential meeting is one set aside (at least one day every week) for prayer and Bible Study or teaching from God’s Word. There is always so much to pray about and certainly a lot to learn from God’s Word! Please be our guest to join us and be blessed by interactive Bible study.
Sunday School
Sunday School hour includes singing, games, Bible Verses, prizes and competitions, followed by age-appropriate classes. Children are often picked up, but we would like to encourage parents to come along and be involved as well.
Youth Activities
Our youth have so much gift and potential! We encourage various youth recreational activities, sports, Bible studies, missionary outreaches, and gospel ministries. Check out the Gospel Hall nearest you!
Principles of Gathering
There are two things that you will notice at our public services. First, the women in assembly fellowship will be wearing a head covering of some kind (hat, tam, mantilla, scarf). This scriptural practice (1 Corinthians 11) was followed faithfull for centuries but has been discarded by many church groups in modern times. Our sisters count it a privilege to obey the scriptures in this way. This is not a ‘dress code’ for those visiting or interested in learning more about church practices.
You also may notice that the women do not take public part in the public meetings (1 Corinthians 14:34). There is no inequality intimated through this practice. In fact, there could be no scriptural gathering possible without women, and they hold a variety of extremely important roles, including that of ministering in a private sphere. Highly valued in the Word of God, this role distinction for women is necessary to reflect the full expression of the body of Christ through the scriptural gathering of His church.
Also, there is no pastor or clergy. This is because the Bible teaches that there should be a number of elders who care for the well-being of the local testimony. Similarly, the ‘priesthood of all believers’ is practiced. This allows each individual member to participate in their own unique way, using their specific gifts for the upbuilding of the church.
You will find that there is usually no musical accompaniment or vocal/instrumental entertainment at our meetings. Instead, you will find believers singing from their hearts to the Lord without the distraction and pride often accompanying talented performances. We simply seek to please the Lord in our deportment and activities, finding great joy in knowing that we have scriptural precedent and teaching for these practices.
Yes, the New Testament assembly is truly unique! Acknowledging the Lordship of Christ in this way and striving to follow the Lord’s original intentions for His church truly enriches Christian experience and growth. The richness of the Bible teaching and the clarity of a Christ-centered gospel will surely be a blessing to you in your walk with the Lord.
Are you interested in returning to the original pattern for the local church set down in the Word of God? Does following New Testament principles of gathering OUT of religion and UNTO the lovely Name of the Lord Jesus Christ appeal to you? We hope so. Come and visit a Gospel Hall near you and learn more about why we gather as we do!
