The church was organized for service to others and to fill the earth with the knowledge of God—His glory, love, justice, and mercy— through the proclamation of the gospel. Some of the practical ways the church accomplishes God’s plan is through gathering for worship and exhortation, providing Christian fellowship and instruction in the Scriptures, helping members identify and use their spiritual gifts, and administering divine ordinances such as baptism, foot washing and the Lord’s Supper. The apostolic church recognized Christ as head of the church (Matthew 28:18) and the source of all its authority. In the church, Christ works through selected officers such as pastors, overseers, elders, and deacons who function as under-shepherds of the congregation. JTL23 12.1
Scripture gives church leaders the task of disciplining members (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Corinthians 5:11-13), dealing redemptively with private and public offenses, including divisive persons (Romans 16:17, Matthew 18:15-17), and working toward the restoration of offenders. The church also helps members understand their responsibility to the state (Romans 13:4, 7) while recognizing that their highest allegiance is to God (Acts 5:29). JTL23 12.2