(1) We believe Jesus started the local new Testament Church. These church members practiced “Acts” Christianity. We believe the church Jesus started is exactly what the local independent Baptist churches are today. He began only one church.
(2) We believe that the local church, which is the body and the espoused bride of Christ, is solely made up of born-again persons who have been baptized and join the membership of that church. (1 Corinthians 12:12-14; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:25-27)
(3) We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures. (Acts 14:27; 20:17, 28-32; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11)
(4) We believe in the autonomy of the local church, free of any external authority or control. (Acts 13:1-4; 15:19-31; 20:28; Romans 16:1, 4; 1 Corinthians 3:9, 16; 5:4-7, 13; 1 Peter 5:1-4)
(5) We recognize water baptism and the Lord’s Supper as the Scriptural ordinances of obedience for the church. (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42; 18:18; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)