RIGHT or WRONG? A ‘New Testament’ church

Some members claim ours is a New Testament church. But the New Testament describes congregations that were far from idyllic. So, what are the reference points for calling ourselves an authentic New Testament church.

Your question reflects the common confusion about the characteristics of a church that is faithful to the teachings of the New Testament. What is essential, superficial or inconsequential? People, customs, musical tastes, styles of worship and church governance vary greatly around the world. The New Testament does not present any evidence these superficial differences affect the fidelity of these churches to the biblical model or mission of the church.

Jesus Christ established the church (Matthew 16:18). So, the first and most important mark of an authentic New Testament church is that it recognizes Christ as its "head" (Ephesians 1:22-23) and looks for Christ's guidance through God's word and the Spirit in all it does (Colossians 3:17).

The second mark of an authentic New Testament church is it carries out the primary missions Jesus Christ assigned us as individual Christians and collectively as the church—the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Loving God "with all your heart" involves public and private times of worship. Loving "your neighbor as yourself" involves ministry to the multiple needs of those around us. Making disciples of all nations and teaching them to obey all Christ taught involves evangelism, missions and discipleship. Inherent in evangelism and discipleship processes is believer's baptism. Are these the primary concerns of your church? One can declare verbally Christ's lordship, but our obedience to his commands reveals whether we really are following him.

The third mark of a faithful church is the close fellowship of love (koinonia) among its members (John 13:35). An authentic New Testament church is one where people love one another like family members (1 Timothy 5:1-2). Unfortunately in families, there sometime are disagreements. But just as in a healthy family those disagreements ultimately are resolved without the relationships being dissolved, so, in a healthy church, inevitable disagreements are settled in a Christlike manner, and the fellowship is restored.

The fourth mark of a faithful church is recognition of the priesthood of all believers (Hebrews 10:22) and a plurality of leadership under God (Ephesians 4:11-12). God does provide gifted pastors, teachers, deacons, elders and other leaders for the church, but all believers have equal standing before God—we all are called to be his priests to the world. There are no autocratic dictators in an authentic New Testament church, only many humble servant-leaders united under the banner of serving Christ.

Alan D. Stanford, senior pastor

Leesburg Community Church, Leesburg, Va.

?Right or Wrong? is sponsored by the T.B. Maston Chair of Christian Ethics at Hardin-Simmons University's Logsdon School of Theology. Send your questions about how to apply your faith to [email protected].