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Revision as of 10:04, 25 July 2007

"Church of Christ" redirects here. For other uses, see Church of Christ (disambiguation).
The Churches of Christ discussed in this article are not part of the United Church of Christ; the Disciples of Christ; the International Churches of Christ; the Church of Christ, Scientist (Christian Science); the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or any other denomination within the Latter Day Saint movement; the Churches of Christ in Australia; the Fellowship of Churches of Christ in the United Kingdom; the Associated Churches of Christ in New Zealand; or the Philippines-based Iglesia ni Cristo.
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The Churches of Christ are non-denominational, autonomous Christian congregations. These churches comprise about 2,000,000 members in over 40,000 individual congregations worldwide.

Churches of Christ generally emphasize their intent simply to be part of the church established by Jesus Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection, which became evident on the Day of Pentecost as described in the New Testament in Acts 2. Churches of Christ emphasize the use of the New Testament only to find doctrine, ecclesiastical structure, and moral beliefs, while maintaining that the Old Testament is also the inspired Word of God, is historically accurate, and that its principles remain true and beneficial (although its laws are not binding under the new covenant in Christ unless otherwise taught in the New Testament).

Churches of Christ in the United States are historically linked to the Restoration Movement championed by American preachers/theologians of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, most notably Thomas Campbell and his son Alexander Campbell, Walter Scott, and Barton W. Stone. These and other leaders from various denominations were seeking original Christianity as they were independently finding several beliefs, practices, and restrictive dogmas in their respective church traditions to have no biblical basis.

Members of the Church of Christ point out that throughout church history many have sought a return to the simple, original Christianity that is "pre-denominational" and unbound by the decisions of councils or denominational hierarchies. Rather than basing doctrine on the interpretations of post-first century church fathers, ecclesiastical councils, or more modern denominational synods or conventions, they use only the Bible as their official source of doctrine. This also allows for the Bible to be open for continual examination and interpretation from congregation to congregation and from Christian to Christian.

These views are based on the conviction that the church is a spiritual body, rather than a secular or political one. Furthermore, that God demonstrates in the New Testament how a person may become a Christian, thus a part of the church, and how Christians may collectively organize and carry out the purposes of the church which Christ established. Also realized is that Christians can do this without any prior knowledge of other Churches of Christ as different groups practicing this form of Christianity have discovered one another without any prior connection (e.g., different segments of what became known as the Restoration Movement; early, ante-Nicene churches).

Today, Churches of Christ usually have these distinctive traits: the refusal to hold to any creeds other than the Bible itself (i.e., 2 Tim 3:16-17, sola scriptura); the practice of repentance and water baptism by immersion in Christ's name as the response to receive forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit (e.g., Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16); autonomous, non-denominational congregational church organization, congregational oversight by a plurality (Titus 1:5) of male elders (Titus 1:6); the weekly observance (Acts 20:7) of communion/eucharist (i.e., the Lord's Supper); and the practice by most congregations of a cappella worship singing (although several related congregations use instruments while keeping these other practices - also known as Christian Churches).

Church Population in the U.S.

There are approximately 13,000 congregations in the United States with about 1.3 million members (Churches of Christ in the United States, ).]

Self-identification

Members do not consider themselves either Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant. They hold to the biblical and historical reality that the church was founded by Jesus Christ, and that its doctrines and practices were established long before these other traditions, movements, structures, councils, etc. The church therefore biblically, historically and spiritually transcends these other entities that developed later within Christendom. Members also do not typically consider themselves to be members of a denomination, but prefer to simply be known as "Christians" (in contrast to, for example, a Catholic Christian, a Presbyterian Christian, a Baptist Christian, etc.), with no other religious title needed or preferred. Thus, a collective group of Christians is a church of Christ (e.g., Romans 16:16).

History in America

Restoration Movement

The American Restoration Movement of the 18th and 19th centuries was an emergence of seekers who perpetuated ideals that have existed throughout church history regarding inspired truth over ecclesiastic tradition or dogma. This movement was in some ways similar to the Reformation and was sometimes referred to as "the new Reformation." The Restoration Movement promoted a return to the purposes of the first century churches as described in the New Testament and is considered by some historians to be part of the Second Great Awakening. One major impetus of the movement was the Kentucky Cane Ridge Revival in 1801, which resulted in many from various traditions no longer holding to their denominational ties and referring to themselves simply as "Christians" or "Disciples." Several Churches of Christ were established as a result of this revival, with some denominational congregations even dropping their traditional titles in favor of "Church of Christ," "Disciples of Christ," or "Christian Church." While ever emphasizing that the Bible is the only source to seek doctrine, an acceptance of diverse opinions was the norm in the quest for truth. "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity" was an oft-quoted slogan of the period.

The movement was actually the result of several smaller groups converging because of the same truths and ideals each were independently seeking. It solidified as a historical phenomenon in 1832 when restorationists from two major movements championed by Barton W. Stone and Alexander Campbell merged (historians thus often refer to it as the "Stone-Campbell Movement"). Following Stone's death in 1844, Alexander Campbell served as the most influential surviving voice.

See also: Restoration Movement

Historical Connection to Christian Churches and Disciples of Christ

Modern Churches of Christ and Christian Churches are very similar (the primary difference being a cappella worship in Churches of Christ) and, depending on the tenor of each local congregation, maintain communication and fellowship.

In contrast, what is today known as Disciples of Christ is very different, having developed into a denominational entity which no longer embraces Restoration Movement ideology (although its evolution has obvious historical roots in the Restoration Movement).

During the first century of the Restoration Movement, all three of these titles were commonly used for congregations. As interpretations, convictions, and preferences regarding a cappella and instrumental music distinguished congregations, the a cappella churches typically used "Church of Christ" to identify themselves while instrumental churches used "Disciples of Christ" or "Christian Church" as designations. In 1906, the U.S. Census for the first time made a distinction of two groups between the a cappella and instrumental churches (this was also the result of other issues related to the Civil War).

The development of the Disciples of Christ denomination was the later result of some within the instrumental church embracing liberal Protestant ideologies that many others would not accept. Thus, those who refused to accept such separated and typically refer to themselves as Christian Churches, leaving the Disciples of Christ designation to the others who eventually organized into that named denomination which exists today. While "Disciples of Christ" is often used as a designation in history books for all churches within the Restoration Movement of the 19th and early 20th centuries, modern Churches of Christ and Christian Churches more accurately reflect the Restoration Movement ideals of that era.

See also: Restoration Movement § Churches of Christ/Disciples of Christ split

Variations within Churches of Christ

Since Churches of Christ are not denominational and purposefully do not maintain an ecclesiastical hierarchy or doctrinal council (as the Bible alone is held as the only source to find doctrine), it is not unusual to find variations from congregation to congregation. For example, some allow for more open interpretations regarding worship and other church practices, while others hold to more strict interpretations. The level of fellowship and cooperation that will exist between those of varying opinions will depend on each member and local congregation. Congregations and members are free to study the Scriptures and to the best of their abilities determine God's revealed will. Yet, most Churches of Christ have the similarities mentioned in the prior introduction.

Differences between local congregations of churches of Christ include institutionalism (using organizations outside the local congregation to evangelize and provide general benevolence), whether the local church can raise money for its work by any means other than the free will offerings of its members, and varied beliefs regarding the scriptural legitimacy of church-maintained fellowship halls and recreational facilities.

Church of Christ Emergent

It appears that the response of some congregations to postmodern thought has produced another movement within the main group, though this is not a formally distinguished body. See the article on Church of Christ Emergent.

Church organization

Congregational autonomy

Church leadership is congregational rather than denominational. The Churches of Christ have no formally recognized headquarters, councils, or hierarchal church government. Rather, the independent congregations are a network with each congregation participating at its own discretion in various means of service and fellowship with other congregations.

Congregational leadership

Congregations are individually overseen by a plurality of elders (also known as shepherds, pastors, overseers, or bishops) who are assisted in the administration of various works by deacons. Elders and deacons are chosen in congregations based on the qualifications found in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1.

While Churches of Christ promote the biblical concept of the priesthood of all believers, congregations generally pay well-trained and educated preachers and staff. Churches of Christ also emphasize that each member is a minister, that no believer is more important than anyone else, and that all should use the gifts he or she has to serve others. Often, the elders and ministers have duties, within the local congregation, that are similar to clergy duties in other religious bodies.

Hermeneutics

Churches of Christ believe in sola scriptura. Interpretive approaches to scripture may vary somewhat from congregation to congregation as Churches of Christ are not bound to a creed, catechism or denominational council. The emphasis is to find doctrine only in the Bible. Regarding biblical historicity and literalism, Churches of Christ are quite conservative and generally see the Bible as historically accurate and literal, unless scriptural context obviously indicates otherwise. Regarding church practices, worship, and doctrine, there is great liberty from congregation to congregation in interpreting what is biblically permissible, as congregations are not controlled by a denominational hierarchy.

Some believe God only binds people to the explicit commands of New Testament scripture, meaning that anything commanded must be obeyed in its proper and obvious context but that anything not expressly forbidden is allowable and open to interpretation and preference. Others have a more stringent view of Scripture, believing that only what is expressly commanded, given as an approved example, or indicated as obvious by inference is allowable as a practice in the church. The latter view means that if something is not specifically mentioned and approved of in the New Testament, then the church should not take the liberty of doing it. There is much variety that exists from congregation to congregation between these two ideologies. This approach, which is related to the non-denominational/autonomous nature of the church, allows open interpretation for the uninhibited search and discovery of the original meanings of biblical texts. Yet, Churches of Christ tend to be uncannily similar in their biblical interpretations regarding salvation, morality, and the seriousness of worshiping God. The liturgy or form of worship is also strikingly similar in congregations, although the style might vary in different locales.

Doctrine of Salvation (Soteriology)

Churches of Christ teach the biblical doctrine that is common in most evangelical churches—that humans (of accountable age) are lost in sin (Romans 3:23) but can be redeemed because Jesus Christ, the Son of God, offered Himself as the atoning sacrifice (Romans 6:23.)

The difference between Churches of Christ and most other evangelical churches is the teaching on how one receives this salvation. Churches of Christ adhere to the biblical teaching that salvation occurs when one obeys Christ in baptism. This is based on scriptures such as Mark 16:16, John 3:3-5, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16 and I Peter 3:21. In contrast, most Protestant churches and evangelicals today teach that mental belief in Christ with no response, quoting a "sinner's prayer," or "asking Jesus into one's heart" will suffice. Churches of Christ almost unanimously reject these notions based on these doctrines not being found in Scripture and because of the New Testament scriptures regarding the purposes of baptism. Baptism is performed only by immersion (the New Testament Greek term baptizo always meant "to immerse") and only upon those capable of believing in Christ and repenting of sin (i.e., no infant baptism).

Other Theological Tendencies

Some would label Churches of Christ as typically Arminian, although members do not usually embrace this term and often disagree with certain tenets. The Catholic concept of Original Sin and the Calvinistic ideas of total depravity, predestination, etc. are generally rejected as doctrines that are not found in Scripture but were later innovations. Election and predestination are functions of the exercise of free will. Those who choose God's way through Christ are elect and therefore saved while those who reject Christ are lost in their sin. Furthermore, the popular notion of "once saved, always saved" is rejected. It is generally held that, although not the norm, a Christian can consciously elect to cease following Christ and hence be lost ("fallen from grace"). (2 Peter 2:20-22)

Regarding eschatology, Churches of Christ are generally amillennial, although a few congregations hold premillennial interpretations.

Basis of a cappella worship practice

There is no evidence to indicate that the first century church used instruments in worship, and because all New Testament scriptures that command or refer to worship in song only mention singing, the Churches of Christ have historically followed this tradition. It is also pointed out that in all of church history, instrumental music in worship was not practiced until the sixth century, hence the Italian word a cappella (as the chapel). The level of conviction regarding a cappella only worship varies from church to church. To some this is a preference, a good interpretation, or an embraced tradition but is not binding on others because there is no command in Scripture that forbids instruments in worship. To others, to use instruments in worship would equate with adding to the Bible since instruments are not mentioned, making the a cappella practice a strong matter of doctrine or dogma.


Churches of Christ outside the United States

The Churches of Christ in Australia are the Australian Stone-Campbell group, and are named after the movement's name at the time of its founding. Of the three current US groups, they are closest in belief and practice to the Disciples of Christ. A similar New Zealand group is the Associated Churches of Christ in New Zealand.

Most of the Association of Churches of Christ in the UK became part of the United Reformed Church in 1981. Most of the remaining became the Fellowship of Churches of Christ. The latter group, together with Australian and New Zealand Churches have pursued a "Missional" emphasis and had an ideal of "Five Fold Leadership." These ideas have been imported from Pentecostal groupings and many churches within the Fellowship bear little resemblance to the original churches. The main grouping of Churches of Christ in Britain is that which supports the Christian Worker magazine. Other churches are supporters of the Scripture Standard magazine. A history of the Association of Churches of Christ, Let Sects and Parties Fall, was written by David M Thompson.

The Australian and New Zealand groups planted churches throughout the Pacific Islands, (although the American groups are credited with establishing churches in American Samoa, two major island groups within the Kingdom of Tonga and Fiti Levu, the main island within the Fijian Islands), the United Kingdom group planted churches throughout the British Empire, and the American groups planted churches throughout the Americas and the rest of the world. These groups often used the name "Church of Christ" and were affiliated with the other churches of that name. While a few such churches still exist, many have merged with other groups.

There are also significant numbers of Churches of Christ in India and in sub-saharan Africa, thanks to the work of both American missionaries and Bible correspondence courses. Significant pockets of Churches of Christ can be found in Latin America (especially in the states of Nuevo Leon and Coahuhila, Mexico.)

See also

Notes

  1. "Church Zip Statistical Summary". This is a live country-by-country tabulation, and is known to under-represent certain developing countries.
  2. Lemmons, Reuel. "Churches of Christ". BELIEVE Religious Information Service. Retrieved on May 6 2007.
  3. Rollmann, Hans. "In Essentials Unity: The Pre-history of a Restoration Movement Slogan". Restoration Movement Quarterly, 39:3. Abilene, Texas: Abilene Christian University. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  4. "What Is Institutionalism?". The Good Fight. Retrieved 2007-06-13. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  5. Bronger, J. R. (1999-06-13). "The Church, Part 8". What Is Written. Traders Point Church of Christ. Retrieved 2007-06-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  6. "Is it ok to eat in the Church building, fellowship hall, multi-purpose room or any room purchased with offering money?". Frequently Asked Questions. Rivermont Church of Christ. Retrieved 2007-06-13. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  7. Baxter, Batsell Barrett. "Who are the churches of Christ?". Internet Ministries. Retrieved 2007-06-28.
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External links

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General websites

Online print media

  • Apologetics Press - Publishes materials defending a literal interpretation of creation in the Bible.
  • The Christian Chronicle - A newspaper of the Churches of Christ.
  • Christian Courier - Investigating biblical apologetics, religious doctrine, and ethical issues.
  • Focus Press - Publisher of Think magazine. Discusses modern day issues.
  • House to House/Heart to Heart - An online/printed magazine used to teach both Christians and non-Christians.
  • The Preacher's Files - Online articles, sermon outlines, and discussion forum.
  • Restoration Quarterly - Magazine devoted to study of the Restoration Movement and Churches of Christ.
  • Seek the Old Paths - An online/printed magazine used to defend the Truth and teach others.
  • Truth Magazine - A monthly publication from what would be regarded as a "conservative" or "non-institutional" viewpoint.
  • The Light - A publication representing the "one cup" brotherhood.

Online TV/Radio stations

Directories

History and sources

Church of Christ search engines


Other

Miscellaneous

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