Organisation

Local churches, understood as groups of disciples of Jesus who meet regularly to do their Lord’s will, are independent of any secular authorities.

• They are autonomous, and are under the direct authority of God Himself. His will for church God revealed in the New Testament. So the Lord and His Holy Word are the sole authority for the churches.

And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:32

• Today, there are no Christ’s deputies or successors who would be at the head of local churches. Those who impersonate such people are typical liars. Nor is there a group of people like the Governing Body, the Church Council and so on, which would have the authority to add “new truths revealed” or give “the only true interpretation of Scripture”.

• All Christians are equal

• There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

• For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him. Romans 10:12

• you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For this is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, and he who believes in him will not be disappointed.” This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve, “The stone which the builders rejected, this became the very corner stone,” and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense “; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2: 5-9

• and by having a direct access to God’s Word and Holy Spirit, they are not doomed to put absolute trust in the “prophesies” of other human authorities.

But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For who has known the mind of the lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:15-16

• The role of Christian teachers is only to help others with understanding the Bible, and one should listen to them, in so far as they are faithful to it.

Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:11

Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting. 2 John 1: 9-10

• Local churches obedient to Jesus should co-operate with each other.

• Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death and on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him. But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison. Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. Acts 8, 1-4

• Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 8, 14-15

• Local churches are led by bishops and elders, men who meet the biblical criteria of leadership.

• It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.

An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 3:1-13

• namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick­tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. Titus 1:6-9

• Some responsibilities (except for teaching and leading men) may be assigned to women with appropriate qualifications.

But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 1 Timothy 2:12

The main characteristics of decision-making in church should be as follows:

1. faithfulness to the Word of God,

2. maximum practical usefulness (effectiveness),

3. unanimity among the members of the church and mutual effort to achieve the goals.

In our church, all men are involved in the process of decision-making. Later, we try to achieve unity in discussion with other members of the church.

Pawel Chojecki is responsible for coordinating/overseeing current projects and church activities.

A few men, who are the best-prepared and experienced Christians, have the authority to teach. Most often it is Pawel Chojecki or Piotr Setkowicz, who minister to the spiritual needs of our community.

Normally we hold our meetings in private homes or rented halls; information about gathering times and location can be obtained by contacting us.

In addition to Sunday meetings, our meetings may take place during the week or while going out on weekend or holiday trips.

New Covenant Church is funded exclusively by voluntary contributions of its members.