Our Approach to Church Life

Many people are familiar with traditional church structures, such as formal services, church buildings, clergy-led worship, and institutional leadership. While we recognize that many faithful believers worship in these settings, our gathering functions differently—not because of tradition, but because we believe the Bible provides a simple, relational, and Spirit-led model for the church.

Our goal is not to create a new movement or separate ourselves from other believers, but to be faithful to the New Testament’s teaching on how the body of Christ should function. Below are some of the biblical principles that shape how we gather.

1. The Church is a Family, Not an Institution

Many churches today are structured as organizations, with hierarchies, memberships, and official leadership positions. However, in the New Testament, the church is consistently described as a family—the household of God (Mark 3:35, Ephesians 2:19-22, Ephesians 3:15).

Believers are brothers and sisters in Christ (Matthew 23:8; Mark 3:35, 1 John 3:1-2).

Leadership is based on relationships, not hierarchy (1 Peter 5:2-3).

Gatherings are meant to be personal and edifying, not formal or rigid (Matthew 23:25-28, Luke 22:7-34, Romans 14:17-19, 1 Peter 3:3-4).

For this reason, we function as a family, not an institution—gathering in homes, sharing meals, praying for one another, and building real relationships in Christ.

2. Simple Gatherings Focused on Christ

The early church did not meet in religious buildings or follow a structured program. Instead, they gathered wherever believers were able to meet—most often in homes (Acts 2:2/46, 5:42, 20:20, Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19, Colossians 4:15, Philemon 1:2). Their focus was not on rituals or ceremonies, but on worshiping Christ, studying the Word, and encouraging one another.

When we gather, we aim to reflect this simplicity and Christ-centeredness by:

Meeting in informal locations, where fellowship feels natural and personal (Acts 2:42).

Focusing on prayer, Scripture, and mutual encouragement (Matthew 6:9-13, 28:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Acts 2:42, 1 Timothy 4:6, 2 Timothy 3:16, 4:2).

Allowing the Holy Spirit to lead rather than following a strict program (Romans 8:14, 2 Corinthians 3:17).

Rather than relying on institutional structures, we trust in the sufficiency of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 18:20, John 14:26, 16:13).

3. Shared Leadership: A Plurality of Elders

Many churches today function under a single-pastor model, where one man has primary authority. However, the New Testament never describes a church led by only one pastor. Instead, churches were overseen by a plurality of elders (Acts 11:30, 14:23; 15:2-6, 22-23,16:4, 20:17,28, 21:18, Titus 1:5, James 5:14, 1 Peter 5:1, Philippians 1:1).

Elders are shepherds (pastors) who lead by example, not by ruling over others (Matthew 20:25-28, 1 Peter 5:2-3).

Different elders may have different gifts (such as teaching or encouragement), but all share responsibility (1 Timothy 5:17).

No single leader is meant to bear the full weight of guiding a church (Proverbs 11:14).

Because of this, while we have not yet appointed elders because we're a relatively new church, leadership in our gathering will be shared among multiple elders. This provides accountability, wisdom, and balanced guidance for the fellowship. In the meantime, we do have a spiritually mature brother in Christ who performs the functions of a pastor. For more on our view the role of pastors in the Church, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page here.

4. Every Believer Participates and Ministers

In many church settings, a small group of leaders perform all the ministry while the rest of the congregation primarily listens. But Scripture teaches that every believer has the Holy Spirit and is called to contribute to the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 14:27-31).

A New Covenant Reality

Under the Old Covenant, God spoke primarily through specific prophets, priests, and kings, while the majority of His people did not have direct access to Him (Numbers 11:29; 1 Samuel 3:1). However, in the New Covenant, every believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit and has the ability to hear from God, be led by the Spirit, and minister to others (Acts 2:17-18; Hebrews 8:10-11, 1 John 2:27). Because of this:

All believers are called to encourage, exhort, and minister to one another (Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 10:24-25).

The church is a body, with every member playing a vital role (Romans 12:4-6; 1 Corinthians 12:14-27).

Gatherings should allow for participation rather than passive observation (1 Corinthians 14:27-31).

Participation is Encouraged, Not Pressured

While we encourage believers to share, pray, and minister as they feel led, there is never any pressure to participate. Some may feel more comfortable listening and observing, and that is completely fine. The goal is not to force involvement but to create an open and welcoming space where people can grow in their faith at their own pace.

We recognize that different believers are at different stages in their spiritual journey, and not everyone feels comfortable speaking in a group setting. Our desire is simply to allow space for those who want to share while ensuring that no one feels obligated or uncomfortable.

Whether you feel led to share, pray, or simply be present and receive—you are welcome here.

5. Giving is Voluntary and Based on Stewardship

Many churches emphasize tithing as a requirement, but the New Testament never commands believers to give a fixed percentage of their income. Instead, giving is viewed as a matter of the heart and faithful stewardship (2 Corinthians 9:7, Matthew 25:14-30, 19:12-27). As such,

We do not regularly take up offerings unless there is a specific need.

We encourage believers to give freely and generously to the poor and to ministries that advance the Gospel (Luke 4:13-14, Galatians 2:10, 6:6, 1 Corinthians 9:13-14, James 2:15-16, 1 Timothy 5:17-18, 1 John 3:17).

Everything we have belongs to the Lord, and we are to manage it wisely (Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 16:10-13, 19:12-27).

Giving is meant to be an act of love and worship, not an obligation—and should always be done freely, cheerfully, and as led by the Spirit (2 Corinthians 9:7). For more on our view of giving, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page here.

6. Worship is About the Heart, Not Outward Formality

Many believe that attending church means dressing up, following a program, and participating in rituals. But in Scripture, true worship is about the heart, not external appearances (John 4:23-24).

God looks at the heart, not outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7).

Following Jesus and worshipping God is about humility, not religious formality (Micah 6:8; 1 Peter 5:5).

What matters is not how we dress, but that we come before the Lord with sincerity (1 Timothy 2:9-10).

Because of this, our gatherings are casual and welcoming. We encourage believers to come as they are—focusing not on appearance, but on growing in Christ together.

Final Thoughts

We do not claim that our way of gathering is the only way, but we do believe it is a faithful expression of the biblical model for church life.

Rather than following man-made traditions, we seek to gather as the early church did—as a family of believers, meeting in simplicity, worshipping Christ, and building one another up in love.

If this is something that resonates with you, we invite you to come and experience it for yourself!

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