Churches of Christ

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"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.
Churches of Christ
Classification Restorationist
Orientation Restorationism
Polity Congregationalist
Origin Restoration Movement
Branched from Protestantism
Separations Disciples of Christ
Distinct fellowships Non-institutional, Non-class, One-cup, Mutual Edification[1]
Statistics
Congregations 40,000
Members 5,062,074
Christianity Portal

Churches of Christ are non-denominational, autonomous Christian congregations, and are historically linked in America to the Restoration Movement.[citation needed] Churches of Christ identify with the original Church, as established by Christ in the first century, without the encumbrances of denominational structures and doctrines that have arisen between then and now. Churches of Christ recognize only Jesus Christ as founder (Ephesians 1:22-23), being first manifested on the Day of Pentecost described in the New Testament, only a few weeks after his death and resurrection (see Acts chapter two). Churches of Christ claim the New Testament as their sole rule of faith and practice in deciding matters of doctrine and ecclesiastical structure. They regard the Old Testament as divinely inspired and believe its principles remain true and beneficial, though its laws are not binding under the new covenant in Christ unless otherwise taught in the New Testament.[2]

Members 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.[citation needed] 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. These views are based on the conviction that the Church is a spiritual body of faith, rather than a secular or political body. Furthermore, it is taught 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.[citation needed]

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, sometimes known as 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 with 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). Some congregations prefer a cappella (non-instrumental) worship services, with the only music being the singing of members. Many Church of Christ congregations are also known as Christian Churches).[citation needed]

Contents

[edit] Church Population

These churches comprise about 5,062,074 members in over 40,000 individual congregations worldwide. [3] Approximately 13,000 congregations exist in the United States comprising about 1.3 million members (Churches of Christ in the United States, [Nashville: 21st Century Christian, 2006]).[1]

[edit] Self-identification

Churches of Christ consider themselves "Christians only" and do not identify as Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant. They believe that Biblically and historically the Church was founded by Jesus Christ and his teachings and desire for the Church are found in the Scriptures of the New Testament. Therefore, they claim that the Church and its doctrines and practices transcend these other entities, traditions, movements, structures, councils, etc. that developed later within Christendom. Members 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.[citation needed]

[edit] History in America

[edit] 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. 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 Christians with diverse opinions was the norm in the quest for truth. "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, love" was an oft-quoted slogan of the period.[1]

The Restoration Movement 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.

[edit] 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 ideals and personality of each local congregation, maintain communication and fellowship.

In contrast, the organization known today 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).[citation needed]

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 those 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

[edit] Variations within churches of Christ

Since churches of Christ are not denominational, that is, they do not divide or teach sectarianism, or ecumenism, 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.

[edit] Church of Christ Emergent

Church of Christ Emergent is not a formally distinct body, but is a recognition in some congregations of postmodern thought and culture with an emphasis on reaching those in today's culture of that persuasion.

[edit] Church organization

[edit] Congregational autonomy

Church government is congregational rather than denominational. Churches of Christ purposefully have no formally recognized headquarters, councils, or hierarchical 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, and with other Christian bodies as well.

[edit] Congregational leadership

Congregations are generally overseen by a plurality of Elders (also known as shepherds, pastors, overseers, or bishops) who are sometimes assisted in the administration of various works by deacons. Elders and deacons are appointed 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 have[4] professionally educated and trained clergy and staff as do most other Christian groups. Churches of Christ also emphasize that each member is a minister, and a saint (Rom. 1:7), that no believer is more important than another, and that all should use the gifts he or she has to serve others.

[edit] Hermeneutics

Churches of Christ practice the principle of the Bible being the only source to find doctrine (also known as "sola scriptura"). Interpretive approaches to Scripture may vary somewhat from congregation to congregation as churches of Christ are not bound to a creed, catechism, headquarters, or denominational council. 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.[citation needed]

Some believe God binds people only 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. (This is also referred to as "The New Hermeneutic."[5]) Others have a more conservative view of Scripture, believing that only what is expressly commanded, given as an approved example, or indicated as permissible 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 congregations, allows open interpretation for the uninhibited search and discovery of the original meanings of biblical texts. However, churches of Christ tend to be uncannily similar in their Biblical interpretations regarding salvation and morality. The liturgy or form of worship is also quite similar in most congregations, although the style sometimes varies in different locales.

[edit] Doctrine of Salvation (Soteriology)

Churches of Christ teach that humans (of accountable age) are lost in sin, but not born sinful and can be redeemed because Jesus Christ, the Son of God, offered Himself as the atoning sacrifice.

The main difference between churches of Christ and all other churches is what is taught concerning salvation. Churches of Christ hold to the teaching that salvation begins when one obeys God's commands. Here are the steps to salvation, as taught in the churches of Christ.

1. One must be properly taught, and hear (Rm 10:17, Matt. 7:24),
2. One must believe (Heb 11:16, Mk 16:15-16),
3. One must repent, which means turning from former ways and choosing God's ways (Acts 2:38, 17:30, Luke 13:3),
4. One must confess with their lips before people that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 10:32-33, Acts 8:36-37),
5. One must be baptized (Acts 2:38, IPet 3:20-21, Romans 6:3-5) Also Mark 16:16, John 3:3-5, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, and Rev 22:14.
6. One must remain faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10)


Due to their views on the relationship of baptism to salvation, the churches of Christ are often regarded as holding to baptismal regeneration, which means that only baptism saves the individual. This is a misconception. They teach that one must contact the blood of Christ that washes away sins. (See Rev. 1:5b KJV) The gift of the Holy Spirit is given at baptism (Acts 2:38), and dwells bodily, in the saved individual. In Restoration theology, the agency of the Holy Spirit in salvation is viewed strictly in His inspiration of the Scriptures which teach men what God has done and what they must do in order for salvation to occur. If one is saved, and does not continue in study of the Scriptures, then the Holy Spirt's action on the individual cannot be fully effective. (See the examples of the early church in Acts)

Therefore, baptism in the churches of Christ is taught as obedience towards God and absolutely necessary (preceded by hearing, believing, confessing and repenting) which results in forgiveness of sins past and future, and places the individual in a position to further obey God's commands, which if he faithfully performs till his death he will be granted entrance into heaven and thus saved.

[edit] Other Theological Tendencies

Some would label churches of Christ as typically Arminian, although members do not generally embrace this label nor hold to certain tenets of Arminian belief. The concepts of Original Sin, total depravity, predestination, etc. are rejected as doctrinal innovations that are not based on Scripture. Election and predestination are regarded as functions of the exercise of free will (i.e., God has chosen and wishes for all to be saved but only those who choose to believe and submit to Him will be). Those who choose God's way through Christ are elect and therefore saved while those who reject Christ are lost in sin. The doctrine of "once saved always saved" is also rejected. Generally understood in churches of Christ is that a Christian can consciously decide to cease following Christ and thus lose salvation, or "fall from grace" (2 Peter 2:20-22), as did Demas in the New Testament, for example.

Regarding eschatology, churches of Christ are generally amillennial. They teach that the book of Revelation was written for the seven churches mentioned, to warn them of persecution that would "shortly come to pass" (Rev 1:1, 22:10). The beast of Revelation is taught to be the Roman Emperor Domitian, circa AD 96, who reigned at the time the letter of "The Revelation of Jesus Christ" to John the Apostle was given to the existing churches. Domitian was the most deadly emperor to the early Christians; he carried out the most torturous persecution compared to the other emperors who persecuted the early church. Today's churches note that if a letter was given to the church in AD 96, but had no significance to the members of the congregations of the day, and had to "come to pass" hundreds or even thousands of years later, the letter would be useless to the early church who had read on the first page that this would "shortly come to pass." Another reason why the church teaches Amillennialism is because there is no mention of a 1000 year reign on earth in Revelation. This passage has a different meaning in its own context.

[edit] Basis of a cappella worship practice

There is no evidence that first century churches used instruments in worship; nor did the observant synagogues. Furthermore, all New Testament Scripture references to worshiping God in song never mention instruments. Only the voice, heart, and spirit are mentioned in commands to worship by singing. Therefore, churches of Christ have historically continued the practice of a cappella music in worship. Also often pointed out is that throughout church history, instrumental music in worship was not practiced until the sixth century, hence the Latin/Italian word "a cappella", meaning "as the chapel/church".

The level of conviction regarding a cappella-only worship varies from church to church. To some the practice 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, the use of 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. Two schools of thought are attributed to these views: liberal and conservative, respectively.

[edit] Churches of Christ outside the United States

The Churches of Christ in Australia carry the name of the group at the movement's founding, the Australian Stone-Campbell group. A similar New Zealand group is the Associated Churches of Christ in New Zealand. These churches take generally ecumenical views. Of the main American groups the Australia and New Zealand churches are closest in belief and practice to the Disciples of Christ).

Churches of Christ in Europe arose separately from the American Restoration Movement and during the 1840s onwards various movements came into fellowship. The Restoration Movement in the United Kingdom started before the Campbell/Stone movement in the USA. In England, churches of Christ flourished in the 1600s and before; eventually many became Baptist.[2]

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 and some Australian and New Zealand Churches advocate a "missional" emphasis with an ideal of "Five Fold Leadership." Many people in more traditional churches of Christ see these groups as having more in common with Pentecostal churches. The main publishing organs of traditional churches of Christ in Britain are Christian Worker magazine and 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 Viti Levu, the main island within the Fiji 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.

Significant numbers of churches of Christ exist in India and sub-Saharan Africa due to the work of American missionaries and international Bible correspondence courses. Significant pockets of churches of Christ can be found in Latin America, especially in the states of Nuevo León and Coahuila in Mexico.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

Brownlow, L. (1973). Why I Am a Member of the Church of Christ. Brownlow Publishing Company, Inc.

Traces of the Kingdom - http://Traces-of-the-Kingdom.org.uk

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ a b Ross, Bobby Jr. Who are we?. Features. The Christian Chronicle. Retrieved on 2007-10-29.
  2. ^ http://church-of-christ.org/who.html#believe
  3. ^ Church numbers listed by country. ChurchZip. Retrieved on 2007-09-11. This is a live country-by-country tabulation, based on the enumeration of specific individual church locations and leaders. While it is known to under-represent certain developing countries, it is the largest such enumeration, and improves significantly on earlier broad-based estimates having no supporting detail.
  4. ^ Roberts, Price (1979), Studies for New Converts, Cincinnati, OH: The Standard Publishing Company, p. 53-56
  5. ^ Achtemeier, Paul J (1969). An Introduction to the New Hermeneutic. Philadelphia: Westminster Press. ISBN 0-664-20870-3. 
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