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Summarizing the teaching and examples that we find in the
New Testament, the
Second London Baptist Confession of Faith of
1689 says that all churches, “when planted by the providence
of God, so as they may enjoy opportunity and advantage for
it, ought to hold communion among themselves, for their
peace, increase of love, and mutual edification” (26.14).
Such associations
of churches are not
denominations: they exercise no control over the
individual churches which, we believe, ought to be entirely
autonomous or self-governing. Yet we also recognize the bond
and responsibilities of love that each church has toward her
sister churches, and so we are in joyful fellowship with two
associations of likeminded churches. On the national level,
we are members of the
Association of Reformed Baptist Churches of America;
and, more locally, we are also members of the
Southern
California Association of Reformed Baptist Churches.
