The following are some frequently asked questions about the Crofton Street assembly and the ‘truths’ we hold.
(Click on the + to open up the topic.)
Do we have any formal dress?
We do not require visitors to wear any formal dress to our services. Nor for that matter are the members of the church required to wear other than ‘decent’ clothing as stipulated in 1 Timothy 2:9.
1 Timothy 2:9 (NKJV)
“in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation…”
What version of the Bible do we use?
We mostly use the King James version, but it is quite OK to use other good translations. Some of us use the New King James version and the ESV translation which is a very accurate and reputable modern translation. We do not agree with those who insist that the King James version is the ‘only right version’.
Do you have a pastor?
We do not have formal ‘pastors’ in the commonly used form of the word. We do believe in overseers or elders who themselves are shepherds (which is the word often translated ‘pastors’).
Who is in charge of your worship service on a Sunday morning?
We believe in the direction of the Holy Spirit to use whomsoever He will. We believe that every male member of the church could possibly be led of the Spirit to announce a hymn, read an appropriate portion of Scripture or worship God in prayer. This concept is often termed ‘the priesthood of all believers’.
Do women speak or contribute to your services?
No, women do not take audible part in our services. We believe the Bible is very clear on this point.
1 Corinthians 14:34-35 (NKJV)
34 ‘Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.
35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful
for women to speak in church.’
This does not mean that women are belittled or of secondary importance to men. Women have many very important functions and can and do serve in many outstanding ways, but public speaking in the church is not one of them. This particular question often separates those who genuinely wish to follow the Scriptures from those who are swayed by popular sentiment.
Do the women in your church have their heads covered?
Yes, once again we believe that this is what the Bible teaches. The Scripture which deals with this is:-
1 Corinthians 11:5-7 (NKJV)
5 ‘But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved.
6 For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered.
7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man.’
(We understand that this subject is somewhat controversial and can provide a more detailed explanation of this subject on request. Just fill in the contact form.)
What are the requirements to be a member of your church?
We require a person to ‘be saved’, ‘be baptised’, have a commendable lifestyle in accordance with their salvation and hold ‘sound’ doctrine. It could be argued that the lifestyle and the doctrine may not have much application to a new Christian and this would be true. The elders of the assembly would be mindful of such issues when interviewing a person who wished to be part of the fellowship. It is then the Church or the Assembly which receives a person… not the elders nor any particular members.
Why do you think ‘baptism’ is so important?
As a believer begins to understand the Bible, they will soon come across the matter of baptism. Baptism is the outward testimony to the inward transaction which has already taken place when the person was saved and is accepted in obedience to the clear instructions of scripture. We see scriptural baptism is by full immersion in water. We do not recognise ‘infant baptism’ as a valid form of baptism and nor do we attach any ‘saving’ qualities to the act of baptism. Salvation is by faith alone, in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Do you have a collection?
Yes, we have a collection box at the back of the hall on a Sunday morning. The funds accumulated cover the expenses of the church and are also used to support missionary activity and other worthy causes. Giving is completely voluntary with no formal ‘tithing’ required.
Is there a board or leader who has ultimate control over your church?
Apart from local ‘elders’ there is no higher ‘control’ over the church other than the Lord Jesus Christ. Once again, we believe this to be the scriptural pattern. John sees the Lord Jesus in Revelation walking among the lampstands and addressing the churches of Asia Minor directly. There were no intermediaries. Each of these churches was directly answerable to the Lord. We believe this pattern is unchanged to this day. Often this concept is called the ‘autonomy of local churches’.
Are you associated with the ‘Exclusive Brethren’?
No, we certainly do not have any association with the movement called Exclusive Brethren. There was a historical connection with that group in the early 1800s, but the division which occurred then has widened ever since. The unfortunate fact is that the word ‘brethren’, while being one of the most simple scriptural terms to describe the relationship of believers to one another has as a result become very generic and confusing to the casual observer. (More explanation of this is available.)
