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Lord's Supper Every Sunday
Baptism by Immersion
A Cappella Singing
Bible Studies
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We Use Mutual Edification, Not A Paid Preacher
The Bible has examples of elders (also called bishop, overseer, shepherd, pastor, and presbyter), deacons, and evangelists as the church leadership. But nowhere in the New Testament is there mention of a single pulpit preacher being used.
Even with the apostle Paul present, preaching and teaching was done by the members of the early church. Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
There was a mutual sharing of the public teaching and speaking in the congregations.
Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
When Paul visited churches at Lystra, Iconium, and Antioh he appointed elders there. The scripture does not say that Paul appointed a localized preacher.
We can also read of an example of the apostle Paul visiting the churches at Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, and appointing elders there. The scripture does not say that Paul appointed a localized preacher for the congregation. So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
The sermons and teaching done in the first century church were done by the men of that congregation, so we also take advantage of the talents of our willing and capable male members to edify our members.
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