This church is an independent group of believers in Christ who have been baptized into Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3,4). We are committed to living by faith in Christ. Our purpose together is to teach and encourage one another in the Christian life and to accomplish the work Christ gives to His church. We seek no affiliation larger than this local congregation. Any cooperative efforts with other churches of Christ are always done in such a manner as to protect the independence of this local church. We have an earnest desire to come to a full understanding of the teaching of Christ (Eph. 4:13-16). While working toward this goal, we agree not to be contentious about matters of opinion about which we may differ. However, the New Testament does authorize us to work together as a church in these areas:
We actively support the teaching of the gospel of Christ in the Huntsville area through our regularly scheduled services, special Gospel meetings, home Bible studies, Correspondence and World Wide Web Bible Study Courses. We help support many evangelists who are laboring in other localities, both in the United States and abroad.
Please check out our Online Bible Study A series of 16 Lessons available in four Bible versions. Located at: http://bible-study.jordanpark.org/ |
We are committed to learning the word of God and teaching it to our children. For this reason, we provide a Bible class program for all ages, toddlers through adult. Capable teachers in our program are responsible for solid Bible instruction, providing for spiritual growth and development from the Scriptures. In addition to these regular weekly classes, a Vacation Bible School each summer provides a week of Bible study for all age groups.
This church cares for its own members and other needy Christians (Acts 6:1-3; 1 Cor. 16:1,2). We also teach our members to care for the needs of their own families so the church is not burdened (1 Tim.5:16). Individual Christians are encouraged to participate in all good works as ability and opportunity arises (Gal. 6:1; Jas. 1:27).
We meet on the first day of the week to encourage each other, and to worship our God by the means He prescribes in the New Testament. We pray (Acts 2:42); sing (Eph. 5:19; Col.3:16); eat the Lord's Supper (Matt.26:26-29; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-30); contribute funds to maintain God's work (1 Cor. 16:1,2); and preach God's word (Acts 2:46; 20:7). Each worship assembly is a time of reverence and respect for God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Our teaching program, the worship assemblies, and other work we do are all intended to help us remain faithful to Christ. Still, we recognize the right to exhort and rebuke, in a personal way, members who persist in sinful living. We will even withdraw fellowship if all efforts to bring repentance and restoration fail. (1 Cor. 5; 2 Thes.. 3:6-15).
Jesus Christ is the only head we recognize (Eph. 1:22). He has authorized us to appoint qualified men to serve us as Elders, or overseers (Acts 14:23, 20:17-28; 1 Tim. 3:1-7). Other men serve the church as Deacons (1 Tim. 3:8-13) and they have various responsibilities in our work. Our Elders generally meet with the men of the church on the second Monday of each month to receive their input on the business of the church. A similar opportunity is provided the women on the following Wednesday evening after worship service. Following the leadership of our Elders who operate under the Headship of Jesus, we all work together harmoniously for the good of the entire congregation. Thus, unity of purpose is peacefully maintained.
Should you be a member of the church of Christ, and can concur in the work we are doing together, we invite you to join us (Acts 9:26). You may do so by letting one of our members know your intentions. If you have been withdrawn from by another congregation, we do not consider that congregation's actions as binding on us; however, it will be necessary for our Elders to investigate your situation before we decide if we can work together. If you are not a member of the church of Christ, we would like very much to study the Bible with you and present God's plan of salvation as revealed in the New Testament. Please let one of our members know, and we will make arrangements to study with you privately at your convenience.