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They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All believers were together, and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave top anyone as they had need. Everyday they continued to meet in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all peoples. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47).

There are many descriptions that could be used to describe King's Community Church Braintree, charismatic, Spirit filled, evangelical, mission orientated, evangelistic, friendly, fun, truth loving, etc, but the one that we love the most and aspire to be, is that of 'a New Testament Church serving the community' and we seek to do this out of a heart of love and worship. For us there is nothing more humbling or appealing than to be a radiant bride fit for a King, and as such we seek to be a reflection of the Church seen in the book of Acts.

New Testament Church Life

It is clear from the New Testament that the church had structure and order, with leaders leading and every member involved in serving. Over the centuries the Church has divided so that in every town several different churches can be found. This was not so in New Testament times, the church was one in doctrine, life and practice. If there were difficulties and arguments over doctrine and behaviour, the apostles brought correction and teaching in order to keep the Church in unity and life. Each town had it's Church, which was led by elders who were appointed by the apostles. There were also deacons, who assisted the elders in the affairs of the local church.

New Testament churches were not based on a democratic system where decisions are made by majority votes of church members. Each local church was governed by a group of elders - recognised by the church and appointed by apostles. Elders were male, and were appointed after recognition of their gifting by the body, and set apart by the Holy Spirit for such work. They were Churches that were committed to, and encouraged apostolic and prophetic input to the church (sometimes known as the Ephesians 4 Ministries).

How the Church worked

A common misunderstanding of how the Church functions, is that the work is done by the pastor or minister, and the congregation just follow their leading. This is not what the bible teaches. The New Testament clearly shows that the work of the ministry is to be done by all believers. The task of the pastor is to equip them to do the work (Eph 4V12-16).

Each member has an important part to play in the life of the Church. Each gift was used for the benefit of the whole body. None were inactive or redundant. The difference between leaders and the body was one of function only. There was no difference of status, holiness, prestige, etc, all were believers, all worshippers, and all priests, each able to contribute, intercede, pray and bring insight to the body for the aim of building up and encouraging each other and the body of the Church as a whole.

The bible is clear, that all believers are members of the body of Christ and to each one has been given gifts and abilities, ministries and functions to build up the whole body. (1Cor. 12V712/18 & Eph. 4V11-13). There was mutual respect and submission to each others gifting, giving and receiving from one another (1Cor.12V25 & Eph.5V21).