Why We Are Presbyterian

THE LOCAL CHURCH

The first Christians were Jews who were accustomed to attend the Temple in Jerusalem or their local synagogue. But when the Apostles began to preach the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ, the Christians began to gather in homes or halls to hear them. They prayed and broke bread together, and shared in the Lord’s Supper according to Christ’s command. This gathering of Christians was called a church, congregation or assembly. In each place where the gospel was preached and people believed, they came together for worship as the church in that place. Leaders called elders and deacons were appointed for each local church (Acts 6, 20:17).

But the local church was also in contact with other local churches. Paul’s letters were passed around between them and collections were taken to send to churches in need. Moreover, the Jerusalem Council of Acts 15 was actually a presbytery or assembly of apostles and elders from various churches. Their decisions were binding on all other churches, and brought them much joy. The local church therefore is not independent of other churches.