[box]Human tradition has corrupted many churches today. The pattern of the church we read of in the New Testament was very simple. [/box]

Early Christians trusted in the message of the gospel and followed the teachings of Jesus as they were taught by the apostles and prophets. The church was self-governing and led by locally appointed elders. Deacons and evangelists served the needs of the people. Such was the extent of their organizational structure.

[box]The worship of the early Christians was also simple. [/box]

Brethren met together to sing praises to God, pray, and to hear the Word of God taught. On the first day of each week, they commemorated the death of Christ on the cross with a simple memorial of unleavened bread (symbolic of His body) and grape juice (symbolic of His blood). Finally, they took up collection to support the works of the church (worship, evangelism, benevolence).

By reading the book of Acts and the epistles, we form a picture of what some  may call “primitive” Christianity. There was no difference between clergy and normal members. There were no special clothes or titles to distinguish the leaders of the church.

All were brethren. All were saints.

[box]Is it possible to return to such a simple approach to religion today? Can we imitate their faith in our modern world? What would a 21st century church look like if it returned to a 1st century faith[/box]

We invite you to come and find out by visiting with us at the Glen Oaks church of Christ. What can you expect when you visit? To the best of our ability, we will be practicing a first century faith in Jesus Christ based strictly on the pattern we read in the Bible.

Our beliefs will be the same – simple and pure, without the taint of human traditions that were added later.

Our work as a church will be the same – preaching the gospel to all the world, relieving needy saints, and worshiping God in spirit and in truth.