Our Church Government

Calvary Bible Church in Nassau, Bahamas, an independent non-denominational evangelical congregation, had it’s beginnings in 1962.

Through inner transformation, spiritual gifts, and God’s constant empowerment we are to all participate in the work of the ministry, without distinction between clergy and laity. We believe God provides the local church with evangelists, and pastor-teachers whose job it is to equip the believers for the work of the ministry so as to build up “…the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-16,; cf. 1 Peter 4:10-11)

Since 1992, Calvary Bible Church has been governed by a plurality of pastor/elders [we consider the terms to be synonymous], each having no more organizational power than the other but each delegated specific authority at specific times for specific purposes as the need arises or for a prescribed period of time. This applies also in the case of our senior pastor. He is so designated for organizational and administrative purposes only and is always subject to the pastoral board as a whole even though he is given freedom to minister within the stated doctrinal position of the church. Although he responsible for the primary teaching responsibilities of the church, the other pastors also share in those responsibilities as determined by the pastoral board.

CBC takes seriously the calling of Jesus to servant authority, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28)

Following the New Testament example, CBC recognizes the ministry of deacons within the congregation. The word “deacon” indicates servant and service. Deacons are men who have been recognized for their servant leadership and having “serving gifts” (administration, helps, service, giving, leadership, mercy, etc.) CBC has a formal membership policy. Our basic doctrinal statement provides further details.