A group of believers in an area organized for fellowship and worship, but not on the level of organization of a church. It may be organized by a district pastor or by a minister appointed by the conference or mission. In consultation with the members, he or she appoints a leader and a treasurer. Other officers, such as for the Sabbath school, are elected by vote of those who have been baptized. All who have been baptized are members of the conference church.
Companies are formed when a group of believers in an area wishes to organize, but its number is too small to warrant a church organization, or when believers do not wish to take upon themselves the responsibilities of a fully self-administered church organization.
The leader is not ordained to his office and does not have the authority vested in an elder of a church. The treasurer keeps a record of the funds of the company, and sends all money, except that given for local purposes, to the conference or mission treasurer. The company cannot administer church discipline. Such matters must be referred to the conference committee and to the president, who is the elder of the conference church.
It is always hoped that the company will develop into a church; therefore its leadership has the duty of promoting the activities that are usually associated with regular churches.