The Lord’s Church
The Church of Christ endeavors to serve God with the same simplicity that characterized His faithful church in the first century.
As the body of Christ, we recognize Christ as our head (Matthew 16:18, 28:18) by believing in His word as the only authority in religion (2 Timothy 3:16), by actively teaching the world about Christ and His kingdom (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16), by encouraging and supporting other Christians (Acts 4:32-35; 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 ), and by trying to provide for the spiritual needs of our fellow man (Galatians 6:10; Titus 2:1-15).
The Bible Alone
The Churches Of Christ follow the teachings set forth in the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Colossians 3:17; Ephesians 4:1-6; Hebrews 13:8). Many religious institutions create their own teachings, thereby making their church’s authority greater than the authority of God’s word (Galatians 1:6-10; Colossians 2:16-23).
We Are All One
In the body of Christ there is no clergy/laity distinction, all of its members are to be united in purpose and duty (Ephesians 4:4-6). Thus, in Christ, all Christians are equal and are to offer “spiritual sacrifices” to the Lord. The only distinction is when elders (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9) are appointed in the local congregation that they have the oversight of that particular congregation (1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
The Lord’s Supper
Following the example of early Christians in the first century, we partake of the Lord’s Supper, or “communion”, (Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-22; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29) as part of our weekly worship. The New Testament clearly indicates early Christians did so on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7) to obey the Lord’s will.
Vocal Music
Christians should believe and practice only what God has designated (Colossians 3:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). History records that early believers followed God’s word and did not use instruments in worshipping God, the only accompaniment being your heart (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Amos 6:5).
Free Of Denomination
A “denomination” is a fraction of a whole. Some people feel that each respective denomination is a part of the whole church. The Bible teaches, and faithful members of the Church of Christ believe, that there is only one church belonging to Christ, and that this church should be united in beliefs and practices rather than divided (See Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 4:4; 1 Corinthians 1:10). The Bible teaches unity in Jesus Christ, but the only way to achieve true unity is to follow Him and to be a part of the church He established.
Strong Bible Studies
We maintain that the Bible can be understood by those who want and try to understand it (See Matthew 13:23; 15:10; Mark 7:14; Acts 17:11). We believe that its meaning can be agreed upon by those who honestly and sincerely desire the truth. Our emphasis on studying the Bible comes from simply realizing that God’s word, the Bible, was given to save us from sin (Acts 11:14; James 1:21; 1 Peter 2:22-25). If understanding God’s word and then obeying it can save a soul from sin, why wouldn’t everyone want to study it?
Becoming A Member
One becomes a member of the Church of Christ when he or she voluntarily obeys God’s word and becomes a Christian. This happens when a person: Hears the Word (Matthew 11:15; Romans 10:17), Believes the Word (Mark 16:16; Acts 8:37), Repents of Sins (Luke 5:32; Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30-31), Confesses Christ as the Son of God before mankind (Acts 8:37; Romans 10:10), Is buried in the waters of baptism (Acts 2:38; Acts 8:38; 1 Peter 3:21), Lives a faithful life (Titus 2:11-15; Romans 12:1-2; Revelation 2:10). When the gospel of Christ is obeyed in this way, one is added by the Lord to His church (Acts 2:47).