It affirms the inspiration of Scripture, the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, sin, repentance, and atonement in Christ. There is a distinctive eschatology. While the members look for the second coming of Christ, they hold that it has no connection with a millennial reign. The kingdom of God is here and now. There will be a judgment day with reward for the righteous and punishment for the wicked.
Baptism is by immersion.
Footwashing is usually practiced on Holy Thursday by separate groups of men and women. These symbolic acts are seen as highlights of a Christian life of stewardship and high moral and ethical conduct. Spiritual healing is practiced, as is tithing. The church uses a congregational form of government, seeing that as a form that allows only the authority of God to operate. In 1992, total membership was 215,496.