Our Beliefs & Practices
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), has no creed and gives its congregations complete autonomy in their doctrine. As a result, beliefs vary widely from individual church to church, and even among members within a church.
Disciples of Christ Beliefs
Baptism - A person makes the choice to follow God’s call rather than the choice being made for them as an infant. Baptism is the basis of membership in the Church and also a mark that every person is called to serve God – the idea of the “priesthood of all believers.”
Bible - We are called to study and read scripture for ourselves. Rather than having tests of faith and creedal statements, we critically and thoughthfully study scripture, taking into account the history and background – the context – in which it was written.
Communion - All are welcome to the Lord’s Table for the sake of mission and for the sake of the world as the one family of God. Most congregations do this by celebrating communion every Sunday. That’s why we use a chalice as our logo.
Ecumenism - We honor our heritage as a movement for Christian unity by cooperating and partnering with other faith communities to work for bringing about wholeness – healing and justice – in the world. This is what it means to be “ecumenical.” One example is our cooperative work with the United Church of Christ in Global Ministries for the past 25+ years and our full communion agreement with the United Church of Canada.
Heaven, Hell - Views on heaven and hell among the Disciples of Christ range from belief in literal places, to trust in God to provide eternal justice or universal salvation. The church itself does not engage in "speculative theology" and lets its individual members decide for themselves.
Jesus - The Disciples' Confession states that "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God ... Lord and Savior of the world." Belief/faith is defined as a relationship of love and trust with God - the God we know in and through Jesus Christ.
Priesthood of Believers - The ministry of believers extends to all members of the Christian Church. While the denomination has ordained clergy, lay people play key roles in the church.
Trinity - Disciples of Christ profess God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in their Confession, and they baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Church members are allowed freedom of opinion on this and other doctrines and are expected to give others that same freedom.
Disciples of Christ Practices
Baptism is practiced by immersion; however, people who join from other Christian denominations are accepted without the need to be baptized again. Baptism is performed at the age of accountability.
The Lord's Table is the central focus of worship in the Christian Church, explaining the use of a chalice as the church's official logo. Since one of the goals of the Disciples of Christ is to foster Christian unity, communion is open to all Christians. The Christian Church practices communion weekly.
Worship at a Christian Church service are similar to those of other mainline Protestant churches. There is singing of hymns, prayer, a children's message, Scripture readings, a sermon, an offering, communion service, and a closing hymn.
To learn more about Disciples of Christ beliefs, visit Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).