114-550: First Christian Church can refer to any number of local congregations. The name is most frequently associated with congregations of either the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) or the Independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ . The name is also used by congregations affiliated with other groups. First Christian Church , or variations, may refer to the following churches in
228-692: A Larger Catechism and a Shorter Catechism . For more than three hundred years, various churches around the world have adopted the confession and the catechisms as their standards of doctrine, subordinate to the Bible . For the Church of Scotland and the various denominations which spring from it directly, though, only the Confession and not the Catechisms is the subordinate standard, the Catechisms not being re-legislated in 1690. The Westminster Confession
342-568: A Region. Regional requirements for ministry vary. Ordination is made official through a service which includes members of the church, clergy, and Regional Minister laying their hands on the candidate as the ordaining act. Ecumenical representatives are often included to emphasize the Disciples' desire for Christian unity. Disciples recognize the ordinations of the United Church of Christ as do they for Disciples. A General Commission on
456-664: A definition of the Bible's content as well as an explication of its role within the church. Chapter 1 declares that the Bible, both Old and New Testaments , is the inspired , written Word of God . As the Word of God, the Bible is considered "the rule of faith and life." The Holy Scriptures are said to possess infallible truth and divine authority, containing "all things necessary for [God's] own glory, man's salvation, faith, and life", so that no new revelations or human traditions can be added to it. The Confession of Faith states that, in
570-488: A doctrinal standard by various Presbyterian churches around the world. These churches have at times repudiated or changed different parts of the confession over the years. The Presbyterian Church of Australia holds to the Westminster Confession as its standard, subordinate to the Word of God, and read in the light of a declaratory statement . The Reformed Presbyterian Church of Australia also holds to
684-562: A full participant in the Consultation on Church Union since it began in the 1960s. It continues to support those ongoing conversations which have taken on the title Churches Uniting in Christ . The Disciples have two full communion partners: the United Church of Christ , since 1989, and the United Church of Canada , since 2019. These three denominations all share mutual full communion with each other. CUIM describes these partnerships as
798-498: A joint staff and is a continuance of decades of cooperative work in global missions. While the Disciples of Christ and United Church of Canada have entered full communion, the recentness of the agreement means that the provisions for mutual recognition of clergy are not yet finalized and adopted. The Disciples believe in the priesthood of all believers, in that all people baptized are called to minister to others with diverse spiritual gifts. The Disciples view their Order of Ministry as
912-624: A journal, The Christian Baptist, promoting reform. Campbell anticipated the conflict and moved his membership to a congregation of the Mahoning Baptist Association in 1824. In 1827, the Mahoning Association appointed reformer Walter Scott as an Evangelist. Through Scott's efforts, the Mahoning Association grew rapidly. In 1828, Thomas Campbell visited several of the congregations formed by Scott and heard him preach. The elder Campbell realized that Scott
1026-494: A specific subset of all believers who are called with spiritual gifts specifically suited for pastoral ministry. Congregations use different terms to refer to persons in the Order of Ministry including Pastor and Reverend but most call them Ministers, including the denomination's governing documents. Congregations sponsor members seeking ordination or commissioning as a Minister, and Regional Ministries organize committees to oversee
1140-490: Is a systematic exposition of Calvinist theology (which neo-orthodox scholars refer to as " scholastic Calvinism "), influenced by Puritan and covenant theology . It includes doctrines common to most of Christianity such as the Trinity and Jesus ' sacrificial death and resurrection , and it contains doctrines specific to Protestantism such as sola scriptura and sola fide . Its more controversial features include
1254-408: Is also prohibited. The only grounds for divorce are adultery and willful abandonment by a spouse. Chapter 25 addresses Reformed ecclesiology or the teachings about the Christian Church . The confession teaches that the church is catholic (or universal) and both invisible and visible. The invisible church is made up of all the elect who will ever live. Christ is the head of the church , and
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#17327718087341368-670: Is essentially, intentionally, and constitutionally one; consisting of all those in every place that profess their faith in Christ and obedience to him in all things." Thomas Campbell — Proposition 1 of the Declaration and Address The Disciples celebrate their oneness with all who seek God through Jesus Christ, throughout time and regardless of location. In local communities, congregations share with churches of other denominations in joint worship and in community Christian service. Ecumenical cooperation and collaboration with other Christian Communions has long been practiced by
1482-458: Is free, and that because of the fall, man lost the ability to do anything spiritually pleasing to God, and man's will became enslaved to his sinful nature. Man, after conversion, regains the ability to please God and to choose good, but sin remains within. Complete sinless perfection is only attainable after death in the state of glorification . Chapters 10 through 18 describe various phases or aspects of salvation. The confession teaches that—by
1596-528: Is no requirement to give assent to any other statement of belief or creed. Nor is there any official interpretation of the Bible. Hierarchical doctrine was traditionally rejected by Disciples as human-made and divisive, and subsequently, freedom of belief and scriptural interpretation allows many Disciples to question or even deny beliefs common in doctrinal churches such as the Incarnation, the Trinity, and
1710-427: Is not in accord with God's will," but concurrently declared that "The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) intends to continue the current pattern of assigning responsibility to the regions with respect to the nurture, certification, and ordination of ministers." Since then, some regions have ordained LGBTQ ministers before the denomination officially supported it. Concerns about LGBTQ people continued to be an issue at
1824-478: Is possible to be regenerated without baptism, and unregenerated with baptism. This is because the effectiveness of baptism is not tied to the moment in time it is administered; the grace promised is granted by the Holy Spirit to the elect according to God's own will and at the time of his choosing. According to the confession, baptism is to be received only once. Chapter 29 summarizes Presbyterian beliefs about
1938-501: Is to be heterosexual and monogamous . The purpose of marriage is to provide for the mutual help of husband and wife, the birth of legitimate children, the growth of the church, and the prevention of "uncleanness." The confession discourages interfaith marriage with non-Christians, Roman Catholics, or "other idolaters". In addition, godly persons should not be " unequally yoked " in marriage to "notoriously wicked" persons. Incestuous marriage, defined according to biblical guidelines ,
2052-706: The Declaration and Address of the Christian Association of Washington , (Pennsylvania) in 1809. In The Declaration and Address, he set forth some of his convictions about the church of Jesus Christ , emphasizing Christian unity and the restoration of the New Testament church. He organized the Christian Association of Washington , not as a church but as an association of persons seeking to grow in faith. On May 4, 1811, however,
2166-541: The Millennial Harbinger . The two groups united at High Street Meeting House, Lexington, Kentucky, with a handshake between Barton W. Stone and "Raccoon" John Smith , on Saturday, December 31, 1831. Smith had been chosen by those present to speak on behalf of the followers of the Campbells. While contemporaneous accounts are clear that the handshake took place on Saturday, some historians have changed
2280-593: The Church of Scotland and has been influential within Presbyterian churches worldwide. In 1643, the English Parliament called upon "learned, godly and judicious Divines " to meet at Westminster Abbey in order to provide advice on issues of worship, doctrine, government and discipline of the Church of England. Their meetings, over a period of five years, produced the confession of faith, as well as
2394-536: The Genesis creation narrative and affirms that human beings were created in the image of God with immortal souls , having fellowship with God and dominion over other creatures . Chapter 6 recounts the Fall of Man whereby humans committed original sin and became subject to total depravity . According to the confession, the consequence of the fall and sin is that sinners are guilty before God, under divine wrath and
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#17327718087342508-527: The Jewish people . These all anticipated Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah , and were sufficient to give the elect of that time forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation. The confession teaches that under the gospel, the covenant of grace is dispensed more fully through the preaching of the Bible and the administration of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper . Chapter 8 declares that Jesus Christ,
2622-655: The Trinitarian formula ("in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost"). Baptism by immersion is not necessary; affusion and aspersion are acceptable modes. The confession approves of infant baptism if one or both parents are Christians. While it teaches that neglecting baptism is a "great sin", the confession does not endorse baptismal regeneration in the ex opere operato sense. It states that it
2736-534: The body and blood of Christ . Rather, the confession teaches that communicants receive the body and blood of Christ and all the benefits of his death spiritually by faith, while the bread and wine remain physically unchanged. Ignorant, wicked and ungodly persons may eat the bread and wine, but they do not receive Christ. Instead, these unworthy persons are "guilty of the body and blood of the Lord" and commit great sin; for this reason, such persons should not be admitted to
2850-475: The curse of the law , and, ultimately, subject to spiritual death . The confession states that the fall and all other sins were foreordained by divine providence ; however, the confession also teaches that sin "proceedeth only from the creature, and not from God". God cannot be the author of sin because he is entirely holy and righteous. Chapter 7 is a description of covenant theology , which holds that God has dealt with humans through various covenants . In
2964-547: The imputation of Christ's righteousness to the elect (the Catholic teaching of infused righteousness is specifically rejected). Justification can never be lost, but the justified are still able to sin and, as a result, confession and repentance must be ongoing. Chapter 12 states that all who are justified also partake in the grace of adoption and become children of God . In addition, those who are effectually called and regenerated are also sanctified . In sanctification,
3078-513: The "homeland" and abroad. Over the next fifty years, the UCMS was the largest agency of the Brotherhood. The National Benevolent Association was also established during the early 20th century as a social services ministry providing assistance to orphans, the elderly and the disabled. The congregations that did not participate were known as "independents." Until the cooperative churches underwent
3192-539: The ACMS did not reflect a consensus of the entire movement. Sponsorship of missionary activities became a divisive issue. In the succeeding decades, for some congregations and their leaders, co-operative work through missionary societies and the adoption of instrumental music in church worship was straying too far from their conception of the early church. After the American Civil War , the schism grew. While there
3306-542: The Atonement. Beyond the essential commitment to follow Jesus, there is a tremendous freedom of belief and interpretation. As the basic teachings of Jesus are studied and applied to life, there is the freedom to interpret Jesus' teaching in different ways. As would be expected from such an approach, there is a wide diversity among Disciples in what individuals and congregations believe. It is not uncommon to find individuals who seemingly hold diametrically opposed beliefs within
3420-626: The Bible as the source for understanding the will of God. They denounced the use of the Westminster Confession of Faith as divisive. Soon, they adopted the name "Christian" to identify their group. Thus, the remnants of the Springfield Presbytery became the Christian Church. It is estimated that the Christian Church numbered about 12,000 by 1830. Independently of Stone, Thomas Campbell published
3534-667: The British monarchy and Anglican episcopacy resulted in the nullification of these acts of the two parliaments. However, when William of Orange replaced the Catholic King James VII of Scotland and II of England on the thrones of Scotland, England and Ireland, he gave royal assent to the Scottish parliament's ratification of the Confession (but not the Catechisms), again without change, in 1690. The confession
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3648-498: The Christian Association constituted itself as a congregationally governed church. With the building it then constructed at Brush Run, it became known as Brush Run Church . When their study of the New Testament led the reformers to begin to practice baptism by immersion, the nearby Redstone Baptist Association invited Brush Run Church to join with them for the purpose of fellowship. The reformers agreed provided that they would be "allowed to preach and to teach whatever they learned from
3762-604: The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), in 1968, Disciples have celebrated a sense of unity in reading the preamble to the Design publicly. Most congregations sing hymns, read from the Old and New Testaments, hear the word of God proclaimed through sermon or other medium and extend an invitation to become Christ's Disciples. Most Disciple congregations practice weekly celebrations of the Lord's Supper , often referred to by Disciples as Communion, as an integral part of worship. Through
3876-506: The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Westminster Confession of Faith Christianity • Protestantism The Westminster Confession of Faith , or simply the Westminster Confession , is a Reformed confession of faith. Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly as part of the Westminster Standards to be a confession of the Church of England , it became and remains the " subordinate standard " of doctrine in
3990-749: The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). In the years that followed, many of the Independent Christian Church Congregations requested formal withdrawal from the yearbook. Many of those congregations were already part of the North American Christian Convention ; this group would become known as the Christian churches and churches of Christ and became the third primary group of the Stone-Campbell Movement. In 1971,
4104-645: The Confession as a subordinate standard. With the Adopting Act of 1729 , the Synod of Philadelphia officially adopted the Westminster Confession as the doctrinal standard for American Presbyterians. All ministerial candidates were required to subscribe to it but were allowed to declare scruples to those parts considered nonessential. This compromise left a permanent legacy to following generations of Presbyterians in America resulting in permanent controversies over
4218-698: The Confession of Faith, and in 1646, the document was sent to the English parliament to be ratified, and submitted to the General Assembly of the Scottish Kirk . The Church of Scotland adopted the document, without amendment, in 1647. In England, the House of Commons returned the document to the Assembly with the requirement to compile a list of proof texts from Scripture. After vigorous debate,
4332-533: The Confession was then in part adopted as the Articles of Christian Religion in 1648, by act of the English parliament, omitting section 4 of chapter 20 (Of Christian Liberty), sections 4–6 of chapter 24 (Of Marriage and Divorce), and chapters 30 and 31 (Of Church Censures and Of Synods and Councils). The next year, the Scottish parliament ratified the Confession without amendment. In 1660, the Restoration of
4446-525: The Confession, basically removing the civil magistrate (i.e., the state) from involvement in ecclesiastical matters. It also removed the phrase "tolerating a false religion" from the list of sins forbidden in Answer 109 of the Larger Catechism, and replaced "depopulations" in Answer 142 with "depredation." The Confession was amended again in 1887, when the final sentence of chapter 24.4, which forbade
4560-481: The Disciples of Christ officially adopted a denominational structure. At that time, a group of churches left in order to remain nondenominational . The denomination is referred to by several versions of its full name, including " Disciples of Christ ", " Disciples ", " Christian Church ", and " DOC ". The Christian Church was a charter participant in the formation of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and of
4674-530: The Disciples of Christ voted in favor of a resolution affirming all members regardless of sexual orientation. After same-sex marriage was legalized in the US, the denomination reiterated that it leaves "all decisions of policy on same-sex marriage to local congregations". In 2019, the General Assembly passed a resolution specifically affirming that transgender and gender non-conforming people are welcome in
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4788-699: The Federal Council of Churches (now the National Council of Churches ), and it continues to be engaged in ecumenical conversations. The Disciples' local churches are congregationally governed . In 2008 there were 679,563 members in 3,714 congregations in the United States and Canada . By 2015, this number had declined to a baptized membership of 497,423 in 3,267 congregations, of whom about 306,905 were active members, while approximately 177,000 attended Sunday services each week. In 2018,
4902-487: The General Assembly adopted a logo for the denomination. The logo depicts a red chalice with a white St. Andrew's Cross . Symbolically the chalice is said to represent the Lord's Supper, which is central to Disciples practice, and the cross of St. Andrew is said to represent the denomination's roots in Scottish Presbyterian and the ministry of all people. The logo was designed by Ronald E. Osborn who drew
5016-537: The General Assembly of the denomination debated resolutions about homosexuality for the first time; a resolution condemning the "homosexual lifestyle" was defeated by the Assembly and a resolution to ban gay people from the ordained ministry was referred to the General Minister and President for further study. At the next General Assembly two years later, the Assembly approved a resolution that declared "The ordination of persons who engage in homosexual practices
5130-437: The General Assembly, but resolutions that called on more civil rights protections for LGBTQ people were passed with overwhelming majorities and resolutions to ban the "homosexual lifestyle" continued to be rejected. In 2011, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) stated that "Disciples do not have a formal policy on same-sex marriage. Different congregations have the autonomy to discern on issues such as this one." In 2013,
5244-577: The Holy Spirit and the preaching of the word—God effectually calls the elect out of the state of sin and death toward faith in Jesus Christ and spiritual life. It teaches that "elect infants" and "all other elect persons who are uncapable of being outwardly called by the ministry of the Word" are regenerated and saved. Chapter 11 covers the doctrine of justification . It affirms the Reformation doctrines of justification by faith alone and
5358-436: The Holy Spirit to make them willing and able to believe. According to the confession, the covenant of grace was administered differently in the time of the law (during Old Testament times) and in the time of the gospel (during and after New Testament times). Under the law, the covenant was administered by promises, prophecies , sacrifices , circumcision , the paschal lamb , and other types and ordinances instituted among
5472-570: The International Convention of Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ) adopted the commission's proposed Provisional Design of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) . Soon The Provisional Design became The Design. The Brotherhood's adoption of The Design made the earlier split between the cooperative and independent churches official. Under The Design , all churches in the 1968 yearbook of Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ) were automatically recognized as part of
5586-566: The Lord's Supper is not the actual sacrifice of Christ but rather a commemoration of Christ's one sacrifice for the remission of sins and an offering of praise to God. It explicitly condemns the Roman Catholic Church's teaching of "the popish sacrifice of the mass ". It also rejects the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation , which states that after consecration by a priest the bread and wine miraculously become
5700-593: The Lord's Supper. It states that the sacrament is to be observed in the church until the end of the world "for the perpetual remembrance of the sacrifice of Himself in His death; the sealing all benefits thereof, unto true believers, their spiritual nourishment and growth in Him, their further engagement in and to all duties which they owe unto Him; and, to be a bond and pledge of their communion with Him, and with each other, as members of His mystical body." The confession states that
5814-635: The New Covenant, the moral law as described in the Ten Commandments and the "general equity" of the civil law in the Old Testament remains binding to all people and nations. While true believers are neither "justified, or condemned" by the law, it serves "as a rule of life informing them of the will of God, and their duty". The confession also teaches that the Holy Spirit enables "the will of man to do that freely, and cheerfully, which
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#17327718087345928-486: The One whose kingdom has no end. Blessing, glory, and honor be to God forever. Amen. The Design of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Early members of the Stone-Campbell Movement adopted the slogan "In essentials, Unity; In non-essentials, Liberty; and in all things, Charity." For modern disciples the one essential is the acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and obedience to him in baptism. There
6042-440: The Order of Ministry exists to interpret and review definitions of ministry, give oversight to Regions and congregations, provide other support, and maintain the standing of Regional Ministers and Ministers of General (National) Ministries. Members of the Disciples of Christ have many different opinions on abortion. This would be a prime example of "Resolve to Love, Agree to Differ, Unite to Serve, Break Bread Together". In 1977,
6156-569: The Presbyterian Church, each without knowledge of the other, during the Second Great Awakening in the early 19th century. The first of these two groups, led by Barton W. Stone , began at Cane Ridge , Bourbon County, Kentucky . The group called themselves simply Christians . The second began in western Pennsylvania and Virginia (now West Virginia), led by Thomas Campbell and his son, Alexander Campbell . Because
6270-620: The Regions. At the General Church level, the Christian Unity and Interfaith Ministries Unity (CUIM) coordinates the ecumenical and interfaith activities of the church. The Disciples continues to relate to the National Council of Churches and Canadian Council of Churches , both of which it was a founding member. It shares in the dialog and in the theological endeavors of the World Council of Churches . The Disciples has been
6384-779: The Scriptures." Thus began a sojourn for the reformers among the Baptists within the Redstone Baptist Association (1815–1824). While the reformers and the Baptists shared the same beliefs in baptism by immersion and congregational polity, it was soon clear that the reformers were not traditional Baptists. Within the Redstone Association, the differences became intolerable to some of the Baptist leaders, when Alexander Campbell began publishing
6498-445: The Spirit of adoption witnessing with our spirits that we are the children of God". The confession does not teach that assurance is instantaneous upon conversion; rather, it states that "a true believer may wait long, and conflict with many difficulties, before he be partaker of it". Chapter 19 discusses God's law and Christian ethics . The confession states that while the ceremonial parts of biblical law have been abrogated under
6612-453: The Stone wing of the movement was the publication of the Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery , at Cane Ridge, Kentucky, in 1804. "The Last Will" is a brief document in which Stone and five others announced their withdrawal from Presbyterianism and their intention to be solely part of the body of Christ. The writers appealed for the unity of all who follow Jesus, suggested the value of congregational self-governance, and lifted
6726-574: The United States: (by state then city) Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a mainline Protestant Christian denomination in the United States and Canada . The denomination started with the Restoration Movement during the Second Great Awakening , first existing during the 19th century as a loose association of churches working toward Christian unity. These slowly formed quasi-denominational structures through missionary societies, regional associations, and an international convention. In 1968,
6840-407: The Westminster Confession. During the English Civil War (1642–1649), the English Parliament raised armies in an alliance with the Covenanters who by then were the de facto government of Scotland , against the forces of Charles I , King of England, Scotland and Ireland. The purpose of the Westminster Assembly, in which 121 Puritan clergymen participated, was to provide official documents for
6954-401: The acceptable parameters of Reformed worship as governed by the regulative principle of worship . It also outlines a Puritan Sabbatarian position in regards to Christian behavior on Sunday , the Christian Sabbath . Chapter 22 describes the appropriate use of oaths and solemn vows , which are part of religious worship because the person calls upon God. Chapter 23 describes the role of
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#17327718087347068-443: The body decomposes, the immortal soul immediately returns to God. The souls of the righteous are then made perfect in holiness and received into heaven where they "behold the face of God" and wait for the redemption of their bodies. The souls of the wicked are sent to hell where they remain in torment until the judgment. The confession rejects the idea of purgatory because it is not present in scripture. The confession teaches that on
7182-400: The body, whether good or evil." God's purpose in dispensing judgment is to show the glory of his mercy—by saving the elect—and of his justice—by the damnation of the reprobate. The righteous will receive eternal life in the presence of God, and the wicked will receive eternal torment and destruction. The date and time of the Last Judgment is unknown. The Westminster Confession was adopted as
7296-463: The church is the body of Christ and the bride of Christ . The visible church includes all people alive throughout the world who "profess the true religion" and their children. It is described as the kingdom of Christ and the house and family of God. The confession teaches that there is no ordinary possibility of salvation outside of the visible church. It is said that Christ gave to the visible church "the ministry, oracles, and ordinances of God" for
7410-516: The church. It states that the pope is an Antichrist who "exalteth himself, in the Church, against Christ and all that is called God." Chapter 26 presents Reformed teaching on the communion of saints . This is the spiritual union that Christians have with Christ and with one another that allows them to share in the grace, suffering, death, resurrection, and glory of Christ. Chapter 27 summarizes Reformed sacramental theology. It states that sacraments were established by God as "signs and seals" of
7524-614: The church. To fulfill these obligations, the magistrate has authority to convene synods and ensure that its deliberations are agreeable to "the mind of God." Chapter 23 also teaches that Christians are obligated to pray for civil authorities and to obey lawful commands. A magistrate's legal authority is not lost because of unbelief or religious differences. The confession denies that the Pope has any jurisdiction over civil magistrates or authority to deprive magistrates of their office if he determines them to be heretics. Chapter 24 covers Reformed teaching on marriage and divorce . Marriage
7638-460: The civil authorities in relation to the church. Governments are ordained by God to maintain justice and peace and to punish evil doers. The civil magistrate has no right to interfere with the preaching of the word of God or administration of the sacraments. The power of the keys is reserved exclusively to church authorities. Nevertheless, the civil magistrate has a duty to preserve church unity, suppress heresy, and prevent corruption and abuse within
7752-405: The covenant of grace to represent Christ and his benefits, to visibly differentiate members of the church from the rest of world and draw them to God's service. The confession teaches that in every sacrament there is a spiritual relation between the sign and what is being signified; because of this, the names and effects of one are attributed to the other. The effectiveness of a sacrament depends upon
7866-511: The covenant of works with Adam , the Puritan doctrine that assurance of salvation is not a necessary consequence of faith, a minimalist conception of worship , and Puritan Sabbatarianism . It states that the Pope is the Antichrist , which was a very common belief in seventeenth-century England. It also stated that the Catholic mass is a form of idolatry , that the civil magistrates have divine authority to punish heresy, and rules out marriage with non-Christians. The confession begins with
7980-428: The date of the merger to Sunday, January 1, 1832. The 1832 date has become generally accepted. The actual difference is about 20 hours. Two representatives of those assembled were appointed to carry the news of the union to all the churches: John Rogers for the Christians and "Raccoon" John Smith for the reformers. Despite some challenges, the merger succeeded. With the merger, there was the challenge of what to call
8094-405: The denomination reported 380,248 members with 124,437 people in average worship attendance. By 2022, membership had dropped to 277,864 members, 89,894 of whom attended worship on average. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) traces its roots to the Stone-Campbell Movement on the American frontier. The Movement is so named because it started as two distinct but similar movements rising from
8208-417: The discussion and conversation alive. Between 1870 and 1900, two journals emerged as the most prominent. The Christian Standard was edited and published by Isaac Errett of Cincinnati. The Christian Evangelist was edited and published by J. H. Garrison from St. Louis. The two men enjoyed a friendly rivalry, and kept the dialog going within the movement. A third journal became part of the conversation with
8322-405: The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints , which holds that it is impossible for those effectually called to "fall away" from the state of grace or, in other words, lose their salvation. Chapter 18 states that believers can receive assurance of faith . This assurance is based on "the promises of salvation, the inward evidence of those graces unto which these promises are made, the testimony of
8436-402: The dominion of sin is eliminated and lust is weakened and suppressed as the individual grows in holiness . Chapter 14 defines saving faith as that which enables people to believe to the saving of their souls . The confession states that it is the work of the Holy Spirit and is ordinarily accomplished by the preaching of the word. Saving faith is strengthened and increased by the preaching of
8550-403: The first covenant, a covenant of works, Adam and his descendants were promised life on the condition of perfect obedience. The fall made it impossible for man to keep this covenant, so God made another covenant, this one called the covenant of grace . In the covenant of grace, God freely offered sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ . As part of this covenant, God promises to give the elect
8664-551: The first time as a group that was separate and distinct from the Disciples of Christ. However, the division had been growing for years, with published reports as early as 1883. The most obvious distinction between the two groups was the Churches of Christ rejecting the use of musical instruments in worship. The controversy over musical instruments began in 1860, when some congregations introduced organs, traditionally associated with wealthier, denominational churches. More basic were
8778-408: The form of immersion , believing it to be the form used in the New Testament. The experiences of yielding to Christ in being buried with him in the waters of baptism and rising to a new life have profound meaning for the church. While most congregations exclusively practice baptism by immersion, Disciples also accept other forms of baptism including infant baptism . "The church of Christ upon earth
8892-826: The founders wanted to abandon all denominational labels, they used the biblical names for the followers of Jesus that they found in the Bible. In 1801, the Cane Ridge Revival in Kentucky planted the seed for a movement in Kentucky and the Ohio River Valley to disassociate from denominationalism . In 1803 Stone and others withdrew from the Kentucky Presbytery and formed the Springfield Presbytery . The defining event of
9006-736: The help of the Scots against the king. The work of the Westminster Assembly was a product of the British Reformed tradition, taking as a major source the Thirty-Nine Articles as well as the theology of James Ussher and his Irish Articles of 1615. The divines also considered themselves to be within the broader European Reformed tradition. They were in frequent correspondence with continental Reformed theologians, and sought their approval. They also drew upon
9120-617: The honor of Christ, and preventing the wrath of God from falling on the entire church. Chapter 31 states that synods and church councils have authority to settle religious controversies, make rules for the church and public worship, and judge cases of misconduct in the church. While synods may be called by civil authorities, they only have jurisdiction over ecclesiastical affairs and are not to intervene in civil affairs except "by way of humble petition in cases extraordinary; or, by way of advice". Chapters 32 and 33 concern Christian eschatology . Chapter 32 describes what occurs after death—while
9234-637: The last day, those alive will not die but will be changed, and all the dead will be resurrected with the same bodies they had when alive. The bodies of the unjust will be "raised to dishonour", but the bodies of the just will be raised "unto honour" (See also Glorification .) . Chapter 33 describes the Last Judgment in which the Father will give Christ authority to judge all apostate angels and every person that has lived on earth. Those judged will "give an account of their thoughts, words, and deeds" and will "receive according to what they have done in
9348-422: The living . It also teaches that Christ will return to earth to judge the world. Chapter 8 also describes Christ's sacrificial death as satisfying God's justice and attaining both humanity's reconciliation with God and everlasting life for the elect. Salvation is granted to individuals by means of the word of God and the Holy Spirit, who persuades them to believe and obey. Chapter 9 teaches that man's will
9462-458: The logo with a red pen, leading to the red color of the logo, and refined by Bruce Tilsley. The logo can be used by all Disciples congregations, ministries, and other affiliated institutions and provides clarity among confusion from the "Christian Church" moniker many Disciple and non-Disciple congregations use. As a congregational denomination, each Disciples congregation determines the nature of its worship, study, Christian service, and witness to
9576-742: The manner in which a minister is bound to accept the document; and it has left the American versions of the Westminster Confession more amenable to the will of the church to amend it. When the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America was formed in 1789, it adopted the Westminster standards, as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures. However, it revised chapters 20.4, 23.3, and 31.2 of
9690-401: The marrying of the close kindred of one's deceased spouse, was removed. The Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. adopted more sweeping revisions of its Confession in 1903. Chapter 16.7, on the works of unregenerate men, was rewritten. The last sentence of chapter 22.3, which forbade the refusing of a proper oath when imposed by lawful authority, was removed. Chapter 25.6, on the head of the church,
9804-440: The most visible issues, there were also some deeper ones. The process that led to the separation had begun prior to the American Civil War . In the early 20th century, a central point of conflict for the remaining Christian Churches was cooperative missionary efforts, both nationally and internationally. Several missionary societies had already been established, and the congregations that contributed to these societies and attended
9918-727: The movement into divisive denominationalism. He did not attend the gathering. Among its actions, the convention elected Alexander Campbell its President and created the American Christian Missionary Society (ACMS). The formation of a missionary society set the stage for further "co-operative" efforts. By the end of the century, the Foreign Christian Missionary Society and the Christian Women's Board of Missions were also engaged in missionary activities. Forming
10032-607: The national convention became known as "cooperative" and began referring to the larger grouping of these congregations as "the Brotherhood." In 1917 the National Convention became the International Convention of Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ) with the incorporation of Canadian Disciples. In 1920, three separate missionary societies merged into the United Christian Missionary Society in 1920, which undertook missions work both in
10146-549: The new methods of Biblical analysis developed in the late 19th century. Following World War II , it became obvious that the organizations that had been developed in previous decades no longer effectively met the needs of the postwar era. After a number of discussions throughout the 1950s, the 1960 International Convention of Christian Churches adopted a process to "restructure" the entire organization. The Commission on Restructure, chaired by Granville T. Walker, held its first meeting on October 30 & November 1, 1962. In 1968,
10260-485: The new movement. Clearly, finding a Biblical, non-sectarian name was important. Stone wanted to continue to use the name "Christians." Alexander Campbell insisted upon "Disciples of Christ". Walter Scott and Thomas Campbell sided with Stone, but the younger Campbell had strong reasons and would not yield. As a result, both names were used. In 1849, the first National Convention was held at Cincinnati, Ohio. Alexander Campbell had concerns that holding conventions would lead
10374-481: The observance of Communion, individuals are invited to acknowledge their faults and sins, to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, to remember their baptism, and to give thanks for God's redeeming love. Because Disciples believe that the invitation to the table comes from Jesus Christ, Communion is open to all who confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, regardless of their denominational affiliation. Most Disciple congregations practice believer's baptism in
10488-524: The original languages, the Bible was kept pure and authentic. Because of this, the Scriptures alone are the church's final authority in all religious disputes. The confession states that "the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture" is "the supreme judge" of councils , ancient writers , doctrines, and private revelation . After describing the attributes of God , chapter 2 of the confession endorses
10602-452: The perfecting of the saints . The confession teaches that local churches can be more or less pure depending on how faithfully they adhere to correct doctrine and worship. Yet, it acknowledges that even the purest churches might contain some theological error, while other churches have become so corrupted that they can no longer be called churches of Christ but instead are of Satan . The confession affirms that only Jesus Christ can be head of
10716-474: The pre-Reformation British theological tradition, which emphasized biblical knowledge and was influenced by the Augustinian theological tradition exemplified by Anselm , Thomas Bradwardine , and John Wycliffe . The recorded debates of the Assembly are full of citations of church fathers and medieval scholastic theologians. The Scottish Commissioners who were present at the Assembly were satisfied with
10830-422: The process of restructure in the 1960s, the cooperatives and independents coexisted together under the same identity, but were following different paths by the 1940s, with the independents forming the North American Christian Convention in 1947. While issues of ecclesiology were at the forefront of the growing division, theological issues also divided the two groups, with the cooperative churches largely adopting
10944-410: The process. Ordination can be achieved by obtaining a Master of Divinity from a theological institution, which does not have to be an institution associated with the Disciples. Ordination can also be achieved through an "Apprentice" track which has candidates shadow ordained ministers. Finally, Ministers can be Commissioned, a shorter process for seminary students and those seeking short-term ministry in
11058-467: The proclamation of "mutual recognition of their sacraments and ordained ministry." Ordained Disciple ministers are able to directly serve in the United Church of Christ without having to seek additional qualifications. Additionally, the Disciples combined their overseas ministries with the United Church of Christ in 1996. Known as Global Ministries, it is a common agency of both denominations with
11172-399: The publication in 1884 of The Christian Oracle , later to become The Christian Century , with an interdenominational appeal. In 1914, Garrison's Christian Publishing company was purchased by R. A. Long , who then established a non-profit corporation, "The Christian Board of Publication" as the Brotherhood publishing house. In 1906, the U.S. Religious Census listed Churches of Christ for
11286-821: The reformation of the Church of England. The Church of Scotland had recently overthrown the bishops imposed by the King and reinstated presbyterianism (see Bishops' Wars ). For this reason, as a condition for entering into the alliance with the English Parliament , the Scottish Parliament formed the Solemn League and Covenant with the English Parliament, which meant that the Church of England would abandon episcopalianism and consistently adhere to reformed standards of doctrine and worship. The Confession and Catechisms were produced in order to secure
11400-488: The role of private and public confession of sin in the life of a Christian. Chapter 16 explains the role of good works (actions done in obedience to God's commandments) in the Christian life and their relationship to salvation. Good works are said to be the result of the Holy Spirit's influence and are evidence of true faith; however, good works cannot earn or merit salvation or forgiveness of sins. Chapter 17 presents
11514-491: The sacrament. Chapter 30 describes the role of church officers, who are appointed by Christ to govern the church. These officers hold the keys of the kingdom , giving them power to discipline church members through admonition, suspension from the Lord's Supper for a period of time, and excommunication , according to the severity of the offense. Church discipline is for the purpose of leading sinful church members to repentance, deterring others from similar behavior, vindicating
11628-407: The same congregation affirming one another's journeys of faith as sisters and brothers in Christ. Modern Disciples reject the use of creeds as "tests of faith", that is, as required beliefs, necessary to be accepted as a follower of Jesus. Although Disciples respect the great creeds of the church as informative affirmations of faith, they are never seen as binding. Since the adoption of The Design of
11742-461: The second person of the Trinity, was chosen by God the Father to be the mediator between God and man and hold the threefold office of prophet, priest, and king. It affirms his incarnation , virgin birth , and dual nature as both God and man. In his human nature, Christ was without sin . He was crucified and buried , and the confession teaches that he was bodily resurrected and afterward ascended into heaven where he intercedes on behalf of
11856-801: The traditional doctrine of the Trinity , which holds that the one and only God exists as three persons, "of one substance, power, and eternity", namely, God the Father , God the Son , and God the Holy Spirit . Chapter 3 affirms the Calvinist doctrine of predestination : that God foreordained who would be among the elect (and therefore saved ), while he passed by those who would be damned for their sins . The confession states that from eternity God did "freely, and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass". By God's decree, "some men and angels are predestinated unto everlasting life; and others foreordained to everlasting death." Chapter 4 recounts
11970-417: The underlying approaches to Biblical interpretation. The Churches of Christ permitted only those practices found in accounts of New Testament worship. They could find no New Testament documentation of the use of instrumental music in worship. The Disciples, by contrast, considered permissible any practices that the New Testament did not expressly forbid. While music and the approach to missionary work were
12084-475: The whole people of God. In the communion of the Holy Spirit we are joined together in discipleship and in obedience to Christ. At the Table of the Lord we celebrate with thanksgiving the saving acts and presence of Christ. Within the universal church we receive the gift of ministry and the light of scripture. In the bonds of Christian faith we yield ourselves to God that we may serve
12198-486: The will of God, revealed in the law, requireth to be done." Chapter 20 states that "God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men." The purpose of Christian liberty is to enable Christians to "serve the Lord without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him." The confession warns that Christian liberty cannot be used to justify sinful behavior or to resist lawful secular and church authority. Chapter 21 describes
12312-481: The word, the sacraments, and prayer. This faith enables a person to believe that whatever is revealed in the Bible is true and to rest on Christ alone for eternal life. Chapter 15 stresses the need for repentance alongside saving faith. While repentance (rejecting sin and committing to obey God's commandments) does not earn forgiveness (which is the result of divine grace), the confession states that no sinner "may expect pardon without it." The confession also describes
12426-524: The work of the Holy Spirit and the words of institution , which contains a promise of benefit to worthy receivers . The confession teaches that only ordained ministers can provide the sacraments, of which there are only two: baptism and the Lord's Supper . Chapter 28 presents a summary of Reformed baptismal theology . Baptism joins a person to the visible church and signifies the person's union with Christ , regeneration, forgiveness of sin and newness of life . Individuals should be baptized in water using
12540-724: The world. Through belief in the priesthood of all believers , Disciples also practice freedom of interpretation among its members, with only baptism and confession of Christ as Lord required. As members of the Christian Church, We confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and proclaim him Lord and Savior of the world. In Christ's name and by his grace we accept our mission of witness and service to all people. We rejoice in God, maker of heaven and earth, and in God's covenant of love which binds us to God and to one another. Through baptism into Christ we enter into newness of life and are made one with
12654-573: Was bringing an important new dimension to the movement with his approach to evangelism. Several Baptist associations began disassociating from congregations that refused to subscribe to the Philadelphia Confession . The Mahoning Association came under attack. In 1830, the Mahoning Baptist Association disbanded. Alexander ceased publication of The Christian Baptist . In January 1831, he began publication of
12768-538: Was fostered by the journals published by its leaders. Alexander Campbell published the Christian Baptist and the Millennial Harbinger . Barton W. Stone published the Christian Messenger . In a respectful way, both men routinely published the contributions of others whose positions were radically different from their own. Following Campbell's death in 1866, journals continued to keep
12882-603: Was modified and adopted by Congregationalists in England in the form of the Savoy Declaration (1658). English Presbyterians, Congregationalists, and some Anglicans, would together come to be known as Nonconformists , because they did not conform to the Act of Uniformity (1662) establishing the Church of England as the only legally approved church, though they were in many ways united by their common confessions, built on
12996-458: Was no disagreement over the need for evangelism , many believed that missionary societies were not authorized by scripture and would compromise the autonomy of local congregations. This became one important factor leading to the separation of the Churches of Christ from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). From the beginning of the movement, the free exchange of ideas among the people
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