As individuals, we share a fellowship with Christians all over the world. When we were saved, the Lord added us to His universal church (Acts 2:47). The Head of the church is Christ; its headquarters is in heaven (Ephesians 1:20-23).

As a local church we are self-governing; that is, we do not answer to or follow the direction of any man or council of men outside of the congregation. We adhere to no human creed. We are free to study, teach and work as the Bible leads us. The Scriptures alone tell us what is good for us to do (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The men among us who lead and oversee have met specific qualifications found in Scripture (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1).

Our Worship

Since the scriptures are our only guide in religious matters, it is our desire to do everything the scriptures teach, and nothing else. Thus, our worship is confined to that which is described in the New Testament.

• We celebrate the Lord's supper on each first day of the week in remembrance of our crucified Savior (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). In this observance, Christians eat unleavened bread and drink the fruit of the vine, which are symbols of Christ's body and blood.
• We praise God and teach one another by singing Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, without the aid of mechanical instruments of music, just as Christians did in New Testament times (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).
• We pray often, knowing that God's ears are always attentive to the requests and praise of His children (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Matthew 7:11; 1 Peter 3:12).
• The work of the church is financially supported by the free-will giving of church members each first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). We do not beg non-members for contributions, nor do we attempt to raise funds by other methods not mentioned in Scripture, such as the selling of "chances" or rummage sales.
• Realizing that saving faith comes from hearing God's word (Romans 10:17), the teaching and preaching of the gospel is given a prominent place in our assemblies.

Church Membership

To be a member of the Oakland church of Christ one must simply be a faithful Christian who is willing to join with us in our efforts to do God's work and glorify Him.

Who is a Christian?

The scriptures teach that all men can be saved by the grace of God, who loved the world so much that He sent His Son to die for our sins (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:5; 1 John 2:2) The gospel is the explanation of God's grace and love; it alone contains God's power to save men (Romans 1:16). In order to be saved, one must be willing to hear God's word (Romans 10:14, 17). Upon hearing God's word, the Scriptures teach that there are four things one must do to be saved and become a Christian. The proper response to the gospel is as follows:

1. Believe, Romans 10:10; Hebrews 11:6; Mark 16:16.
2. Confess Christ as Lord, Romans 10:9-10.
3. Repent (turn away from sin), Acts 2:38; 3:19.
4. Be baptized in water for the remission of sins, Acts 2:38; 8:36-38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:20-21.

If you are not a Christian, it is our hope that you will become one. Our primary goal is not simply the numerical growth of the Oakland church, but we do desire to help all interested men and women follow after Christ and go to heaven. If we can help you to that end, please contact us. Someone from the church will be happy to study God's word with you.  Please feel free to email us, and ask any questions you might have about what we believe and practice.  If  you are in the Athens, Alabama area, come visit us.

"Unto Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations forever and ever. Amen."

                                          -- Ephesians 3:21 (ASV)