We believe that the Church is the collective body of believers. The Church is referred to as "the body of Christ" as well as "the bride of Christ." Thus, it is not merely an ecclesiastical institution or organization—and certainly not a religious edifice or place of worship. "The Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands" (Acts 7:48). "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house" (1 Peter 2:5 KJV). "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). We believe that the Church is the spiritual entity composed of those who have accepted Christ as their Savior, regardless of their affiliation with Christian organizations or denominations.
We believe that great spiritual benefit can be derived from fellowship with other like-minded believers, to engage in prayer, the reading of God's word, and fellowship meetings. Scripture also exhorts us not to abandon "the assembling of ourselves together (Hebrews 10:25). Thus, we should endeavor to follow the example of the Early Church, whose members "continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:42).
- Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Acts 2:46; 1 John 1:3,7a