Faith Bible Chapel
Revised July 15, 2001
I. Introduction
We agree not to have a long doctrinal statement, but to have a list of five fundamental doctrines that we feel are essential to a faithful and honest interpretation of the Bible.
A. The inspiration and infallibility of scripture (II Peter 1:20-21, II Timothy 3:16).
B. The deity of Christ (John 5:18-27, Philippians 2:5-11, Titus 2:13).
C. His virgin birth (Matthew 1:18-25) and miracles (John 21:25).
D. His penal death for our sins (1 Peter 2:24).
E. His physical resurrection (Luke 24:39) and personal return (John 14:3, Acts 1:10-11 and 1 Thessalonians 4: 16).
II. Elders
We believe that the elders are the leaders of the church and that we should try to maintain at least three (Acts 14:23, 1 Timothy 5: 17, Titus 1:5).
A. Duties
1. Take care of the flock (I Peter 5:1-6, I Timothy 3:5; I Timothy 5:17-18, Acts 20:2).
2. Pray for the sick (James 5:14).
3. Care for church funds (Acts 11:29-30).
4. Decide on Doctrinal questions (Acts 15:2, 4, 22-23).
5. Teach the word and defend the faith (Titus 1:9-16, 1 Timothy 3:2).
6. Have oversight of the church – "Not as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock" (I Peter 5:2-4, Acts 20:28).
7. Dedicate to service by laying on hands (1 Timothy 4:14, 5:22, II Timothy 1:6, Acts 6:6).
B. Qualifications
We believe the scriptures are plain (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6).
C. Choosing Elders
The existing elders will nominate likely candidates, it being essential that all elders and prospective elders approve of one another. Then these candidates will be presented to the congregation for a vote of approval.
1. Leaders were chosen by congregation and consecrated by the Apostles (Acts 6:1-6).
2. They were made elders by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28).
3. Elders were appointed and consecrated by Timothy and Titus (Titus 1:5, 1 Timothy 5:22).
III. Deacons
A. Duties
1. Assist the elders
B. Qualifications
1. We believe the scriptures are plain (Acts 6:3, 1 Tim. 3:8-13).
C. Choosing Deacons
1. Approved by congregation (Acts 6:3-5).
2. Laying on of hands by the elders for consecration (Acts 6:6).
IV. Membership
A. We believe that the church is a living organism, not an organization. There is a vital relationship between Christ and the church, both partaking of the same life, just as there is between the physical head and the body. We cannot join the church as we would the lodge or any mere organization. When we become partakers by faith by faith of Christ's life, we become members of Christ's church in the true sense (Ephesians 1:22-23).
B. We believe that whenever a group of believers, even two or three, meet in Christ's name they are called His church in the place where they meet. Each particular gathering, however small, is the local manifestation of the church universal, embodying all the spiritual realities of that church (Colossians 4:15-16, 1 Corinthians 1:2-7).
C. Those who desire to demonstrate their membership in Christ's true church by making their fellowship of Faith Bible Chapel their home church are invited to make their desire known to the elders.