Who We Are
Fifth Avenue Chapel is a fellowship of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. We have no denominational
affiliation but are a self-governing, self-supporting, self-propagating group that has been meeting in the
shore area since the mid 1920’s.
Our origins are in what has been called the “Plymouth Brethren” movement. Some distinctive beliefs
include the non-denominational nature of the church, the priesthood and service of all believers, the
weekly celebration of the Lord’s Supper, and the leadership of Christ in His church through the Holy
Spirit.
Ordinances
We recognize two ordinances for the church:
1. Baptism by total immersion in water of believers in the Lord Jesus as a public testimony to an inward
conversion (Matthew 28:19; Acts 8:35-38). It is not a washing away of the filthiness of the flesh but
the answer of a good conscience toward God (1 Peter 3:21).
2. The remembrance of the Lord’s death in the breaking of bread (communion) each Lord’s day as did
the early church. At this meeting there is equal liberty, in line with Scripture, to worship in spirit and in
truth. The men are expected to do so audibly and the ladies silently (Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians
1:23-26; Acts 20:7; 1 Timothy 2:11-14; 1 Corinthians 14:34-35). Reception at the Lord’s Table is for
true believers known to be fundamentally sound in doctrine, godly in life, and not willfully associating
with moral or doctrinal evil.
Leadership
Our assembly is pastored by a group plurality of elders – men who meet the qualifications listed in 1
Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-8, who lead by teaching and example, seeking to help equip believers for the
work of service (Ephesians 4:11-16). We also recognize deacons based on the qualifications found in 1
Timothy 3:8-12, who assist the elders in practical matters of the church.
Ministry by All
We believe that every believer is the recipient of one or more spiritual gifts, bestowed by our Savior in
His sovereignty and wisdom. A dynamic and effective local church is the result of each member
exercising his or her spiritual gifts for the benefit of all. Signs of this dynamic include both edification and
growth (Ephesians 4:1-16). The fellowship has no paid staff.
Head Coverings
Visitors to our gatherings note that many of our women wear head coverings, based on principles found
in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. This practice it is not an ordinance, nor does it bring any saving value. It is an
outward, symbolic display of God’s order as shown in Scripture. The covered heads of the women and
uncovered heads of the men in the assembly meetings are symbols reflecting the headship of Christ and
our submission to Him.