Our Practices
What Do We Practice?
In order to accomplish our mission and vision, we engage in certain practices which were practiced by the early church referenced in the Bible. This structure has been established to facilitate the following responsibilities which are an outgrowth of our mission and vision: evangelizing, establishing, equipping and exalting.Ordinances
We recognize We recognize and practice the two ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper:
- Baptism by immersion is offered to believers in the Lord Jesus Christ upon request. Our immersion in water is symbolic of our death to our old way of life and our re-emergence from the water is symbolic of our spiritual resurrection to a new life. It is also a reminder of our future physical resurrection. Baptism is encouraged for all believers as an act of obedience to the Lord, and a symbol of their faith in Him.
- The Lord’s Supper is normally administered once a month at JICF. The unleavened bread taken in the Lord’s Supper is a reminder of our Lord’s sinless body which was crucified for us. The wine (or juice) is a reminder of the blood of the Lord which was shed at his death, and through which a new Covenant was established between God and men under which He forgave our sins.
Church government
Church government at JICF follows the Biblical example of placing in authority a group of Elders / Overseers. These Elders / Overseers are men whose lives exemplify the Scriptural qualifications of spiritual leadership, and who are committed to work together in a mutually submissive manner to oversee the activities and direction of JICF.
Home/Small Groups
JICF is a church that pastors and shepherds through Home/Small Groups. All those who attend JICF are encouraged to be fully involved in a Home/Small Group. The primary purpose of Home/Small Groups is to provide significant relationships through which group members:
- Provide mutual care, support, love, and encouragement
- Experience Bible study, prayer and discipleship
- Develop patterns of spiritual accountability
- Are challenged to further personal spiritual growth
- Are active in outreach and service
Bible Study/Prayer
In that personal Bible study and prayer are foundational to developing a vital relationship with Jesus Christ, JICF desires that all those in attendance make daily Bible reading and prayer an integral part of their lives. To encourage this, current issues of The Daily Bread, published by Scripture Union, are made available for both individual and Small Group use.
Giving / Sharing
Paul wrote to Timothy in I Timothy 6:17-19 as follows: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they take hold of the life that is truly life." We encourage those attending JICF to do likewise.