| Born in the early 1800s, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is the oldest Protestant movement founded on American soil. Its symbol of the chalice emphasizes the central place of communion in worship, as well as the Scottish Presbyterian roots of the denomination (the cross of St. Andrew). Disciples confess their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and seek unity among all believers.
Early history
Opposing divisions within the church universal and barriers around the Lord's Supper, Presbyterian ministers Thomas and Alexander Campbell, and Barton Stone, set out to restore unity to the church by preaching and teaching New Testament practices. In 1832, after about a quarter of a century of separate development, the Campbell and Stone movements merged after discovering that they were proclaiming a similar message and vision for the church.
Characteristic Beliefs and Practices
(Fred Craddock, Disciple magazine, 1999, adapted)
- The Table of the Lord is central in weekly worship. To this Table, all are welcomed; at this Table, Christ is remembered; and around this Table, believers serve as priests to each other, offering to one another the bread and cup of remembrance.
- The only question asked of those who present themselves for baptism is the question of belief in God as revealed in the One God sent for us and our salvation, Jesus the Christ.
- Persons who come from other Christian traditions are welcome without suspicion or condition, and their own memories of worship and work are respected.
- The opportunity and responsibility of leadership is available to men and women alike.
- The "whosoever will" of Jesus is the fundamental conviction undergirding the public witness of the church, and therefore, cultural concerns of race, gender, income, education, or social standing have absolutely no place in the church.
- The gifts of God for ministry belong to all people.
- The study of scripture is a lifelong commitment, with clear acknowledgement that as a result, minds change and faith is continually making new discoveries.
- The church never raises the question of worthiness in the exercise of its benevolence and care.
- The freedom of the congregation shall not be understood as grounds for isolation or withdrawal from the common life and work of Disciples everywhere.
Facts of Interests
- Nearly 4,000 congregations and 900,000 members in the United States and Canada.
- Approximately 3,500 clergy serving congregations, 21% women.
- About 13% of membership is people of color.
- Strongest concentration of Disciples is in the Midwest and Southwest.
- Texas Christian University (TCU) is the largest Disciples' university.
- General offices are in Indianapolis, Indiana.
For more information, go to www.disciples.org |
