New Testament Christianity in Elkmont
In Elkmont, Alabama, Elkmont Church of Christ gathers on Upper Ft. Hampton Road and is known for its commitment to practicing New Testament Christianity. Its aim is to “call Bible things by Bible names” and “do Bible things in Bible ways,” speaking where the Bible speaks and remaining silent where it is silent. This guiding principle shapes the congregation's identity, worship, organization, teaching, and service to others.
The church describes a church not as a building or an organization people join, but as people “called out” by the Gospel and added to those recognized as saved by Christ. For that reason, “Church of Christ” is described as a designation of ownership that gives glory to Christ, recognizes his authority, and acknowledges him as the one in whose name salvation is found. Rather than relying on religious tradition, synods, or creeds, the congregation points to close adherence to the words of Jesus and his apostles as its basis for being a faithful church of Christ.
Elders, Deacons, and Preachers
The church of Christ at Elkmont is an undenominational, self-governing body of believers organized according to the New Testament pattern. Its first office is the eldership. Elders are also called pastors, overseers, shepherds, and presbyters, and are appointed after meeting the qualifications set out in the Bible. The congregation's pattern calls for more than one elder in every congregation.
Deacons form the second office and serve in special areas of service. They, too, are men who are to meet biblical qualifications. The third group is made up of preachers, also called ministers or evangelists, who work with the congregation in teaching, preaching, and conducting Bible studies. Together, these roles support the stated aim of self-government under the authority of God's word.
Faithfulness Is the Objective
The objective is to be faithful to Christ in all he teaches. The church holds that the New Testament is the covenant through which Christ now directs his people and that it is the guide in all matters of faith and practice. The Old Testament is believed to be inspired and written for learning; it is studied in Bible classes and used regularly in preaching, while also being recognized as fulfilled and replaced at the cross by the New Testament, or New Covenant.
No man-made creed is accepted as an authority. Each member is asked to take personal responsibility as a disciple of Christ by studying and obeying the teachings of Jesus. The congregation is confident that when individuals are guided solely by God's word, unity rather than confusion will result. The call to study, rightly divide the word of truth, and let truth guide both understanding and emotion appears throughout the church's teaching.
Five Acts of Worship
Worship at Elkmont is guided by truth and follows the simple, spiritual pattern set out in the New Testament. The church rejects additions, subtractions, and innovations as well as worship that is self-designed, self-approved, or ignorant. Each assembly is expected to include five acts of worship:
- The Lord's Supper. This memorial feast of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine is observed each Lord's day in commemoration of Christ's death.
- Congregational singing. Songs of praise, encouragement, and thanksgiving are sung from the heart to educate one another and glorify God according to his direction.
- Prayer. Humble requests and words of thanksgiving are brought before God through Jesus Christ.
- Voluntary contribution. A free-will collection is taken from members each Lord's day to carry out the Scriptural work of the church.
- Bible preaching. The church receives comprehensive and understandable studies of God's word that reprove, rebuke, and exhort with longsuffering and doctrine. Each sermon is intended to glorify God and accurately communicate his will with love and urgency.
These elements are not presented as optional additions to worship. They form the expected pattern for the congregation's assemblies and reflect the church's commitment to plain, spiritual worship.
Evangelism, Edification, and Benevolence
The church's mission is built around three areas of work described in the New Testament: evangelism, edification, and benevolence. Evangelism is the sharing of God's message of salvation with the world. The church points to Jesus's instruction to teach all nations and to the early church's practice of sending out missionaries, saying that this work must continue.
Edification is spiritual improvement through teaching. The church emphasizes continual study so that people can handle the word of God aright, giving attention to reading, exhortation, and doctrine. Benevolence is the caring, giving dimension of Christian life. The congregation notes that the early church fed widows, helped believers in need, and sent funds to other congregations, and it identifies helping all people, especially fellow believers, as part of that work.
Elkmont says it has an “humble and sincere interest” in the spiritual welfare of others and wants to help people pursue truth through Bible study. The congregation offers home Bible studies and a free Bible correspondence course. Questions can also be directed to the church in person, by email, or by phone.
A Weekly Rhythm for Worship and Study
Sunday has three gatherings: morning worship at 10:00 a.m., Bible study at 11:00 a.m., and evening worship at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday Bible study begins at 7:00 p.m. All are held at 18955 Upper Ft. Hampton Road in Elkmont. The worship and study gatherings are conducted in English.
The audio sermon archive extends the church's emphasis on biblical teaching beyond the weekly assemblies. Its recordings include messages on worship, the cross, faith, conversion, the Bible, Christian living, and other subjects drawn from Scripture. Titles include “The Power of the Gospel,” “We Would See Jesus in the Church,” and “An Everyday Religion.”
At the center of the church's schedule and teaching is the same conviction expressed throughout its work: study the word, obey the teachings of Jesus, assemble for worship, teach others, share the Gospel, and extend help to those in need. Elkmont Church of Christ describes its part in that work as an active expression of faith in the name of the Lord Jesus.