“In the early 19th century, the Spirit moved independently on the hearts of several groups in England, Scotland, Ireland, and other places. With the truth of "justification by faith" having been reestablished by Luther and others, other men were then led to examine Scripture to determine how a local church or "assembly" of believers should function. Their studies brought them out of the denominations of the day, and they began to meet in simplicity unto the Person of Christ alone.
Ecclesiastical forms and positions were set aside and every attempt was made to follow the pattern set out in the New Testament. This pattern included: the truth of the priesthood of all believers in Christ, the absence of clergy-laity (paid staff-layperson) distinctions, the importance of the Lord's Supper in the life of the assembly, the roles of men and women in the church, the utilization of gifts which had been sovereignly distributed among the saints, the plurality of overseers, and the recognition of all saved individuals as being part of the Body of Christ. Down through the years, the number of such local assemblies that followed the New Testament pattern and principles of gathering increased greatly around the world.
The majority of the articles and messages available on this site come from those who are either originally from or currently in these gatherings. They are not "ordained" of men, but gifted of God. Others selected for ministry on this site may not meet with those who gather in this way, but are equally enabled by the same Risen Head of the Church to minister faithfully the Word of God. We value their ministry on the same par, as part of the Body of Christ, and as given to the Church by the Head of the Church, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
written by Steve Hulshizer at my request on the establishment of this website in 2004. He also suggested a name for a ministry newsletter I sent nationwide from Cedar Hill, TX from 1989-1993 called “Watch & Pray”.
Kevin Engle April 16, 2020
email: kengle86_at_gmail.com
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