Service Guidelines

These service guidelines, which are Biblically based, describe some important characteristics of those local assemblies which qualify for the services of Stewards Foundation. We believe these guidelines reflect the spirit with which Stewards Foundation was established and describe what has been historically believed and practiced by assemblies gathered unto His Name alone. Obviously, no statement on paper can fully describe what distinguishes a scriptural assembly.

The assembly should be conducted and operated in accordance with New Testament principles of gathering, including, but not limited to the following:

1. Recognizing and giving opportunity for the manifesting of the priesthood of all believers with no clergy/laity division.

The church recognizes and gives opportunity for the development and the exercise of scriptural gifts of all believers (1 Cor. 12:7; Eph. 4:12). The church does not have anyone designated as "The Pastor" of the assembly. Having a one-man ministry, in substance if not in name, by relegating to one person all, or nearly all, of the preaching and teaching responsibilities, would introduce, in effect, an unscriptural clerical class among brethren and threaten the practical functioning of the Headship of Christ in the local church (Eph. 4:15, 16).

2. Being committed to the concept of a plurality of leadership, demonstrated by a group of male elders with equal authority, who lead as shepherds under the headship of Christ (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Heb. 13:17; Titus 1:5-9).

3. Being independent of any controlling organization or other affiliation, autonomous in its government, and in fellowship with other brethren assemblies (1 Cor. 1:2).

4. Remembering the Lord in a weekly celebration of the Lord's Supper, normally on Sunday.

This is to be a central meeting of the assembly (Acts 2:42), where most of those in fellowship are usually present. The Lord's Supper is not an addition to a preaching service, but is a time fully pledged to the remembrance of the Lord Jesus Christ (Col. 1:18). Male believers who are in fellowship are encouraged to participate audibly and female believers in fellowship are to participate silently, all under the direction of the Holy Spirit only.

5. Having beliefs and practices consistent with the Stewards Foundation Statement of Faith (Jude 3).

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor. 15:58).