This article is a summary of the principles arising from the recent series on the nature of the local church as taught in Bermondsey Gospel Hall.
In the introduction to the recent series of articles on the nature of the local church, I stated that by looking at the biblical record of the early church and unpicking the practices and principles seen there we can arrive at the underlying principles that constitute the local church. These are the timeless, universal principles, binding in every age and in every place. Such aspects of the local church cross both cultures and countries, lifespans and lifestyles. Similar to a constitutional document like the Constitution of the United States, they make up the constitution of the local church, a collection of principles that enshrine what the local church is and how it is to function across the world and throughout the ages.
Having examined the first and fullest vision we have in the Bible of the local church, recorded in Acts 2:41-47, in a series of articles, we have now established ten principles making up the constitution of the local church. I trust that they will be of assistance as we seek to build healthy local churches today.
The Creation of the Local Church (Acts 2:41)
PRINCIPLE 1: Communication of the Word of God, and the reception of it by individuals, is the first step in establishing and expanding a local church.
PRINCIPLE 2: Identification with the Son of God through baptism is the following step for those who receive the Word of God.
PRINCIPLE 3: Addition to the people of God in a certain locality is the final step for those who receive the Word of God and involves mutually understood membership in a distinguishable group.
The Commitment of the Local Church (Acts 2:42)
PRINCIPLE 4: The local church is devoted to the apostle’s teaching, learning from the word of God.
PRINCIPLE 5: The local church is devoted to the fellowship, partnering with the people of God.
PRINCIPLE 6: The local church is devoted to the gatherings, remembering the Son of God.
PRINCIPLE 7: The local church is devoted to the prayers, addressing the throne of God.
The Community of the Local Church (Acts 2:44-47a)
PRINCIPLE 8: The local church is a community with a regular public and private presence in each other’s lives, resulting in both social and spiritual good.
PRINCIPLE 9: The local church is a community which seeks to generously meet the needs of its members, whatever those needs may be.
The Consequences of the Local Church (Acts 2:43,47b)
PRINCIPLE 10: The local church is a community that impacts surrounding communities, whether receiving a positive or negative reaction.
ALEXANDER ARRELL