Who are we?
We are a non-denominational "local church".
We believe that the New Testament churches were just gatherings of disciples of Jesus in their town and therefore we strive to simply gather together as disciples of Jesus in our town of Langebaan. Most of Paul's letters - and indeed the letters of Jesus in Revelation - are letters written to "the church in the place", in Corinth, Ephesus, Colosse, Smyrna etc. In fact, often Paul just addresses "the saints" in these places. The churches are not organizations or institutions - they are made of people - living stones - believers in and followers of Jesus. The letter to the Galatians is addressed to the "churches" - because Galatia is a province - not a town. Jesus also writes letters to the seven churches in Asia - Asia being a province. The book of Acts refers to the church in Jerusalem but the churches in Judea (a province). We therefore believe that the structure or organization of the church is intensely local. The different churches in the different towns certainly had interaction and fellowship but there was no institution or constitution or denominational structure that bound them together.
We seek to teach brothers and sisters to be followers (disciples) of Jesus - not of any denominational or particular doctrinal emphasis.
We do not hold to Armenianism - but rather: "Choose ye this day Whom ye will serve" (Josh 24:15).
We do not hold to Calvinism - but rather: "The Potter has power over the clay" (Rom 9:21).
We do not hold to Pentecostalism - but rather: "Be filled with the Spirit" (Eph 5:18-19)
We do not hold to the Charismatic way - but rather: "Quench not the Spirit" (1 Thes 5:19-20)
We believe the "pattern" for the church is given to us in Acts 2:42 and therefore we seek to provide for believers to: "Continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
We see that the New Testament churches were under the care and direction of local elders (in plural) - not a single pastor.
Paul instructs Titus to ordain elders in "every city" on Crete - not set up one pastor (Tit 1:5)
We see that the church is the Body of Christ which has "many members" and we seek to promote "the effectual working in the measure of every part" (Eph 4:16).
We encourage every believer to "present their body as a living sacrifice" and serve in the fellowship in accordance with the gifting they have received by the grace of God. (Rom 12:1-21)
We operate an "Open Ministry" for every member participation in "open meetings" and the teaching sessions are given by different brothers. We follow Paul's directive that we "suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man" (1 Tim 2:12)
We stand strongly on 2 Tim 3:16 that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness".
We do not teach the "law of tithing". No-one is taught that they HAVE TO tithe 10% of their gross income to the fellowship.
We do teach that "God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor 9:7). We provide opportunity and we encourage believers to regularly "lay by them in store" funds to be distributed as there may be needs. (1 Cor 16:2)
We believe that "the labourer is worthy of his hire" (Luke 10:17) and that "the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour" (1 Tim 5:17) but we do not have any salaried preacher who is beholden to the fellowship financially.
We hold quarterly business meetings that are open to every believer in the fellowship where the financial status of the fellowship is made known and the distribution of funds agreed upon. Approximately 80% of the fellowship income is distributed to missionary endeavours.
We teach that the church's one and only foundation is Jesus Christ (1 Cor 3:11) The practical teaching of this foundation is embodied in the seven "Principles of the Doctrine of Christ" as expressed in Heb 6:1-2.
If you have any questions - please feel free to reach out to anyone on the "Contact Us" page or send a mail to:
contact at lcf dot org dot za