The Priesthood of All Believers

We believe in the priesthood of all believers and, as a result, do not ordain ministers, priests, or pastors to be solely responsible for leading the people of God in worship and ministry. For example, while one or more brethren may audibly lead the people of God in pray or teaching, every believer in a local church enters into the presence of God when the church meets together. We also believe that God gives gifts to every believer. These gifts are to be exercised within the local church in order to fulfill the many roles and functions within the local assembly.

The Bible teaches that when a local church (assembly) comes together, the sisters are to remain silent. This does not represent a difference in ability or position, but simply a God-given difference in roles for the two genders when functioning within the local church. So, in any of the Scriptural, public gatherings of the local church, the responsibility for audible, public participation or worship is assumed by brethren. Sisters make invaluable contributions in many “private” ways relevant to the healthy functioning of the local church. For example, they participate in activities such as teaching Sunday School classes and helping with missionary-support activities. The Bible also teaches that sisters in a local church should have long hair, and should have their heads covered when the church meets together. For this reason, you will see sisters wearing hats or head scarves when the assembly meets out of obedience to the Word of God. Similarly, the Bible teaches that brethren should have short hair, and their heads should be uncovered when the local church meets together.

The Omission of Ceremony and Ritualism

The Omission of Ceremony and Ritualism

The "Closed Table"

The "Closed Table"

Letters of Commendation

Letters of Commendation