All who are in fellowship with Christ are members of His spiritual body, the church (1 Corinthians 12:12; Colossians 1:18). The Church is a spiritual body, with Jesus as its head and saved people throughout the world as members of His body (Ephesians 1:22-23; Acts 2:47). As such, the Church has no earthly or physical organization. Wherever Christians extend fellowship to each other in worship and work, we find a congregation or local Church. In the Bible we read about churches in Jerusalem, Rome, and other places. These were not different kinds of churches (as is so prevalent today), but congregations of Christians in various places. These congregations were independent and self-governing, each having elders (also known as bishops and pastors) watching out for their souls (Acts 20:17,28; 1 Peter 5:1-4). Assisting the elders were deacons who ministered to the needs of the congregation (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13). The members were dedicated to following the example of the Lord in their daily lives (Ephesians 5:1-2).
The church at Ventura seeks to be such a congregation of Christians, a Church of Christ in our community.