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Definition and Purpose
  1. A local church is a fellowship of born-again followers of Jesus Christ whose profession of faith shows itself in holy living and good works.
  2. A local church may be recognized where:
    1. the whole of God’s Word is preached and practiced;
    2. the two ordinances established by Christ’s authority, namely baptism and the Lord’s Supper, are correctly administered; and
    3. the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Head of the Church is duly recognized.
  3. The purpose of the local church is:
    1. to provide for the united worship of God in prayer and praise;
    2. to provide for the fellowship and nurture of God’s people through teaching and pastoral care;
    3. to be God’s instrument in preaching the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in all the world; and
    4. to be salt and light in the unbelieving world.