The religious world of our day is divided into various denominations. Each of these wears a denominational name that serves to further divide believers. We believe that this division is contrary to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 1:10; 3:3-4; Ephesians 4:3-6; John 17:20-21). Therefore, we have no denominational organization, name, doctrine or creed. We are known simply as Christians (Acts 11:26; 1 Peter 4:16). As a congregation, we are a church of Christ (Romans 16:16).
The word "church" means the "called out ones." The church is composed of those who have been "called out" of this world by the gospel unto Christ (II Thess. 2:14). The gospel tells of sin and of its wages of eternal death (Rom. 6:23). It tells of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection (I Cor. 15:1-4). It urges all to receive forgiveness of sins. When one obeys the gospel, when he heeds its call, he is then "called out of darkness into his marvelous light" (I Pet. 2:9). So, the church is made up of those who have obeyed the gospel, who have been "called out" of sin unto salvation.
Jesus Himself is the only recognized head of the church, who has been given all authority in heaven and on the earth (Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:22-23). The congregation at Oldham Woods is overseen by qualified elders and served by qualified deacons (1 Timothy 3:1-13; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:28). Every member is considered a necessary and important part of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Jesus Himself is the only recognized head of the church, who has been given all authority in heaven and on the earth (Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:22-23).
The church is the saved (Eph. 5:23). The church is not the Savior. Jesus is. But the church is the body of Christ. All who believe and are baptized are saved (Mk. 16:16), that is, they are "added to the church" by the Lord (Acts 2:38, 41, 47).
