Foundation of the Church

Founder: Christ (Matthew 16:18)

Place: Jerusalem (Acts 2)

Date: First Pentecost after the resurrection

The church was established by Christ through the apostles on the day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2.

Biblical Organization

  • Christ as Head

    "And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church" (Ephesians 1:22)

  • Elders (Bishops)

    "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city" (Titus 1:5)

  • Deacons

    "Likewise deacons must be reverent..." (1 Timothy 3:8)

  • Members

    "Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually" (1 Corinthians 12:27)

Worship

The Lord's Supper

On the first day of the week (Acts 20:7)

The Collection

On the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)

Prayer

In spirit and truth (John 4:24)

Singing

A cappella, without instruments (Ephesians 5:19)

Preaching

The word of God (2 Timothy 4:2)

Work and Mission

  • Evangelism (Mark 16:15-16)
  • Edification (Ephesians 4:11-16)
  • Limited benevolence (1 Timothy 5:16)