Statement of Practice

We believe that: 

1. The local church or assembly is dependant entirely upon God, and having in her midst the presence of Christ Jesus her Lord and Head, is responsible to Him for her own administration, and in this respect knows no outside control and has no denominational allegiance, rendering her both independent and autonomous; In things spiritual is not ruled by a majority vote but rather, through prayer, diligent study of the Scriptures, fellowship and under the oversight of duly appointed elders, seeks to discover and obey the mind of the Lord. The local church, in accordance to the revealed will of God, consists of elders, deacons and members. The ascended Lord bestows gifts upon men for the fulfilling of His work on earth, and the administration of local churches is entrusted to elders and deacons, appointed of Christ and chosen and set apart by the church. 

Elders are primarily responsible for the spiritual matters of the assembly; to oversee, to watch, to feed and to guide. To them is entrusted the ministry of the Word of God. It is their solemn charge to ensure that all ministry, on all occasions, is to the profit and edification of the church. It is the duty of members to support their elders by prayer, and to submit to their admonition in the Lord. 

Deacons are primarily responsible for the practical matters of the assembly; to “serve tables” (to care for the material and physical needs of the flock). To them is entrusted the ministry of overseeing and co-ordinating the charitable duties and endeavours of the church. It is their solemn charge to ensure that all such ministry, at all times, be administered with spiritual grace. 

Members of a local church are saints by calling and are therefore responsible for evidencing such a life and testimony. They willingly give themselves up to the Lord and to one another in professed subjection to the doctrines of the Word of God. 

It becomes the duty of members to love, to watch over, to forbear and forgive one another in love, always striving together for unity, peace and holiness. 

Further, it is the duty as well as the privilege of every member, whenever possible, to be present at the assembling of the church for the ministry of the Word of God, for prayer, the observance of the ordinances and the appointed church meetings, and to contribute towards an orderly, dignified and reverent spirit in the gatherings, ever having in mind the glory of God, the spiritual prosperity and well-being of fellow members and the blessing of the unconverted. 

2. The Scriptures, having been given by inspiration of God, are our final authority in all matters, and are wholly sufficient. The Scriptures are complete with the Old and the New Testaments and no further special revelation from God is to be expected. Nothing at any time is to be added or taken away, whether by new revelation, traditions of men, scholarly advice, popular consent or any other means. The Authorized Version of the Scriptures only, should be used at all our services. 

3. The worship of Almighty God is a vital and an integral part of our very existence (both as human beings made in the image of God and much more as regenerated human beings delivered from the curse and bondage of the fall unto the everlasting praise, honour and glory of God). 

Our worship being due to God alone, we are utterly dependant upon Him to direct us to acceptable worship. The Scriptures of Truth make plain that not all offered worship, however sincere, is acceptable to the Lord. Consequently, the standing rule given by our Saviour Himself that worship must be ‘in Spirit and in Truth’ is ever to be upheld in all integrity. The safest and surest principle for acceptable worship is to offer only that which the Lord Himself in His Word has prescribed. This is a matter of utmost importance and must ever be treated with great care and caution. 

Glossolalia and modern charismatic activities are regarded as extra-Biblical for this age. 

4. The Word of God alone is to be faithfully preached by men gifted of the Holy Spirit and recognised and called upon by the church so to do. They shall soberly set forth Divine truth, shunning not to declare all the counsel of God, without fear of man or seeking favour from either saint or sinner, depending upon the authority of the Scriptures and the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish God’s purpose. The use of worldly methods, spiritualized entertainment or debate are not according to Biblical precept and therefore dishonouring to God. 

5. Baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances of positive and Divine institution to be observed by us. 

Matthew 28:19-20 ; Luke 22:19-20 ; Acts 2:41-42 ; 8:35-38 ; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 

6. Whilst the priesthood of all believers is to be upheld, Divine order within the sexes is Scriptural, namely that women are commanded to be silent in the corporate gatherings.

 1 Timothy 2:11-12 ; 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 

7. Visible expression must be given to the Headship of Christ by the members at all public assemblies. It is Scriptural order for a brother to have his head uncovered and for a sister to have her head covered at all church gatherings. This covering is in addition to the natural covering of a woman’s hair. Dress shall ever be modest for both male and female and such as “becometh Godliness”. 

8. Brethren engaging in public prayer are leading the saints into the presence of God in worship and intercession and as such, their approach must ever be one of reverence. Public addressing of the Godhead in casual or loose terms is not in accord with the pattern of Holy Writ.

9. A solemn obligation is laid on the Church, by her Sovereign Saviour and Head, the Lord Jesus Christ, to preach the Gospel to every creature unto the end of the world, baptizing converts and teaching them to observe all things whatsoever He has commanded in His Word. 

Matthew 28:18-20 ; Mark 16:15-16 ; Luke 24:44-47 ; Acts 1:8 ; Romans 10:6-17 ; 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 ; 1 Corinthians 9:16 ; 2 Corinthians 5:20 ; Ephesians 6:15 ; 2 Timothy 4:5 

10. Upon repentance and saving faith, all receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost and it is not a second blessing reserved for a special few; all who are truly born again receive the Spirit and are sealed by the Spirit.

11. Discipline must be exercised within the local church. It is to be administered with love and patience and in accordance with the teaching and examples of Holy Scripture; the end in view always being repentance and restoration, and the purity and good of the church. 

12. Members should contribute regularly and systematically to the work of the Lord “as He hath prospered”. 

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