We believe in the universal church, a living, spiritual body of which Christ is the head, composed of people who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and have put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe in the local church, whose membership consists of a company of baptized believers in Jesus Christ, who meet regularly for worship, Bible study, prayer, the Lord’s supper, and fellowship. We believe that God has laid upon the members of the local church the primary task of giving the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world. We believe in the autonomy and independence of the local church, although voluntary cooperation with other churches, associations, or organizations may prove beneficial.
Matthew 16:17–18; Acts 2:42–47; 1 Corinthians 16:1; Ephesians 2:19–22; 4:1–16; Hebrews 10:23–25