ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH

By the ordinances, we mean those outward rites which Christ has appointed to be administered in his church as visible signs of the saving truth of the gospel. They are signs, in that they vividly express this truth and confirm it to the believer.  Within the church or religious world, ordinances are more than just helpful rituals set by church leadership that establish a rhythm to worship, they serve as “visual aids” or even “physical aids” to illustrate biblical truths — primarily the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  

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BAPTISM is an ordinance of the New Testament instituted by Jesus Christ. It is intended to be, to the person baptized, a sign of his fellowship with Christ in His death and resurrection, and of his being engrafted into Christ, and of the remission of sins.  Acts 2:37-41).  We believe that Water baptism is a public, outward testimony that indicates a personal, inward faith. It gives evidence of the inner change that has already occurred in the believer’s life when he or she was “born again” through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Lord’s Supper: A practice in many Christian denominations, including Baptists, Anabaptists, Pentecostal denominations, and Churches of Christ  Lord’s Supper, also referred to as (Holy) Communion (1Cor 10:16-17), the breaking of bread (Matt 26:26; 1Cor 11:24)

The Lord’s Supper sets forth, in general, the death of Christ as the sustaining power of the believer’s life.    We believe it symbolizes the death of Christ for our sins.  1 Cor. 11: 26—” For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink the cup, ye proclaim the Lord’s death till he come “;  It symbolizes our personal appropriation of the benefits of that death. 1 Cor. 11: — “This is my body, which is for you.” 

Foot washing: A practice in some Christian groups, such as Anabaptists, that reenacts the example of Christ during the Passover meal   is a sacred service in some Christian churches that involves washing the feet of others to renew cleansing and celebrate reconciliation. 

The practice is based on the Bible story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper, as described in John 13:1–15. Jesus’ actions are said to symbolize his humility, selfless love, and mission to serve humanity. We believe this  ordinance is intended to encourage humility, reconciliation, and a sense of community among believers.