- We believe that Christ is the head of the church, and the gathering centre of His people, and therefore no man or organization should usurp this position. (Col. 1:18)
- We believe that the Lord views each local church as autonomous, and accountable to Him alone. Therefore we seek to function in a non-denominational way, receiving all whom Christ has received. (Rom. 15:7)
- We believe that a plurality of elders, and not a humanly ordained clergyman, are to serve as leaders in the local assembly. They are to serve the flock of God under the authority of the Chief Shepherd, and by the direction of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 20:17, 28–31; Phil. 1:1; Heb. 13:17)
- We believe that a person who desires to become part of our local testimony of believers is not joining a church, since we all became “members of His body” when we were saved (Eph. 5:30). Instead, he or she is welcomed into the fellowship of this local assembly— sharing together in worship, encouragement, and gospel witness. (Heb. 10:24–25)
- We believe that the Lord’s supper should have a place of special importance among us as the centre of our corporate worship; as we celebrate His death and our new covenant relationship with Him week by week. (1 Cor. 11:20, 23–28)
- We believe that “true Christians” are called on by God to lead a life of holiness (2 Tim. 2:11–12) discretion and modesty; in their appearance (Col. 3:12–13), their actions (1 Pet. 1:14–15), and their language (Eph. 4:29).
- We believe the Bible defines marriage as “the union between one man and one woman to the exclusion of others” (Gen. 2:24, Matt. 19:4-5). Marriage is honourable in God’s sight and any sexual relationship outside the sphere of marriage is prohibited by the Bible (Heb. 13:4, Eph. 5:3,1 Thess. 4:3–5). Same sex relationships and practices are totally against the clear teachings of the Bible (Rom. 1:26–27,1 Cor. 6:9–10, 1 Tim. 1:9–10, Jude 7).
- We believe that the church, as the dwelling place of God’s Spirit here on earth, must be holy and pure. Joined to this truth is the solemn mandate from the Lord for discipline to be carried out for serious sin, in the spirit of humility and love (Eph. 2:21; 1 Cor. 5:4–7).
- We believe that women, as sharers together in the faith, are valued, gifted by God, fully equal to men, and are to have an active sphere of service within the local assembly. We believe as well that the Lord has given differing roles to men and women within the church in order to emphasize His divine order. Therefore we follow the scriptures which teach that women are not to publicly pray or preach in assembly gatherings where men are present, nor to assume leadership positions over men within the church. The outward sign of this loving obedience to the Lord is seen in the wearing of a head covering at assembly meetings (1 Cor. 11:10; 14:34,1 Tim. 2:11–12).
- While we believe that the Lord’s servants have a right to financial support for their labours, we do not believe that those ministering within, or on behalf of, the assembly should receive a salary or a specific guarantee. Looking solely to the Lord will develop a joyful dependence on Him in all situations and provide a visible testimony to the faithfulness of a prayer-hearing God. Publication of personal needs and overt appeals for support therefore have no basis in Scripture (1 Cor. 9:14; Gal. 6:6; 3 John 5–8).
- We believe in the vital importance of missionary work in fulfillment of the great commission (Matt. 28:19–20). Missionaries must receive their calling from the Lord and then are recognized or commended and sent forth by their local church. They are to go forth in faith, looking to the Lord for support. We believe they should have the liberty of remaining primarily responsible to God for their service not excluding godly counsel and consultation with their elders and other workers and leaders on the field. Because of the bond between them we believe the missionary and the commending assembly both have a continuing responsibility to one another (Acts 13:1–4; 14:26–27).
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