How we function, based on New Testament principles:
At the Albany Gospel Chapel we devote our meetings according to the New Testament pattern, to teaching, fellowship, the Lord’s Supper, and prayer.
Acts 2:42 We are an autonomous local church, gathering unto the name of the Lord Jesus Christ alone. We do not seek a name for ourselves or take a denominational title. His name is the only name by which we wish to be known. Matthew 18:20, Acts 11:26, 1 Corinthians 6:11, Colossians 3:17 We practice the priesthood of all believers. We do not recognize a special class of people who do the Lord’s work. Every believer in Christ is encouraged to use their gifts to serve the Lord for the benefit of fellow believers. 1 Peter 2:5 The ministry of preaching and teaching the Word of God is given by spiritual men who have been gifted by the Holy Spirit. Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:7-12 Our church leaders are elders and deacons – men who meet the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9. The elders serve the believers by providing oversight and pastoral care. Collectively, the elders serve as shepherds under the authority of the Lord Jesus, who is the Head and Chief of His church. Ephesians 5:18, 1 Peter 5:4, Acts 20:28 We baptize believers in the Lord Jesus Christ by immersion. Baptism does not save. It is an act of obedience in which the believer identifies publicly with the Lord. Baptism symbolizes the Word of God in salvation. Matthew 18:18-20, Romans 6:3-6 |
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