Yes, the scriptures support this template for a church. We consulted Bible verses to discover how “church” is defined scripturally. Since James’ and my personal concept of a higher power is a Christian God, we wanted to make sure that our church format was supported by scripture. 

However, we believe that our God may not be confined to one denomination. That is why we have used the term “higher power” in our language. We have seen miracles occur for people who call themselves agnostic. Although an agnostic person may not believe in a Christian God, they did have to believe in a higher power before the healing and miracles began.

Below, we have included ideas/principles/and physical characteristics of our church. We put the relevant, supporting scripture beside it.

  1. We need each other and need to build community. Ephesians 5: 22-23
  2. Our higher power loves us, protects us, and will keep us from darkness. Psalm 16: 8-11
  3. Put principles before personalities. Be a PAL. Ephesians 4:15
  4. Pray and ask for forgiveness. James 5: 14-15
  5. Baptism can be used to commit to a higher power and symbolize forgiveness and a fresh start. 1 Corinthians: 12-13
  6. Church includes teaching, breaking bread, and prayer. Acts 2:42
  7. Pray for one another and for people outside the church. Acts 12:5
  8. We must serve others. Acts 2:41
  9. With our higher power, we can make a difference. Acts 2: 41
  10. We should meet together and encourage one another. Hebrews 10: 24-25
  11.  Two or more gathered is all that is needed for a church. Matthew 18:20
  12. Every person has a purpose and is important. 1 Corinthians 12:12
  13.  Not all members will serve the same function. Romans 12: 4-5
  14.  God works through us. 1 Corinthians 3:16
  15. Meet regularly, break bread together. Acts 2: 46-47
  16.  Be grateful and be tolerant of one another. Acts 2: 46-47; Colossians 3:15
  17. God will organically grow the church without promotion. Acts 2: 46-47
  18.  People are the church’s cornerstone, not a building. Matthew 16:18
  19. Scripture is useful for teaching and will equip us to serve. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
  20.  Sing hymns and songs with gratitude in your heart. Colossians 3:16
  21. Give of yourself selflessly. Ephesians 5: 25-26
  22. We are expected to share good will with everyone. Ephesians 2: 19-20
  23. No one is a stranger or foreigner; all belong. Ephesians 2: 19-20
  24. Our higher power creates the change, not us. Ephesians 3: 20-21
  25. Tell each other our stories, tell about the miracles. Ephesians 2: 20-21
  26. Work things out internally. 1 Corinthians 3:17
  27. The church should be ruled democratically, no leaders. Romans 16:17
  28.  The church should remain neutral in all affairs, receive no outside contributions. Romans 16:17