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Churches of Christ

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The Churches of Christ discussed in this article are not part of the Independent_Christian_Churches/Churches_of_Christ; The churches of Christ (non-institutional); 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.

For other uses, see Church of Christ.
Churches of Christ
ClassificationChristian, Restorationist
OrientationRestorationism
PolityCongregationalist
Distinct fellowshipsNon-institutional, Non-class, One-cup, Mutual Edification[1]
OriginRestoration Movement
SeparationsDisciples of Christ
Congregations40,000
Members5,062,074

Churches of Christ represent themselves as autonomous Christian congregations linked historically in the U.S to the American Restoration Movement and are associated with one another through common beliefs and practices. Historically, they came about as part of the early 19th Century Disciples of Christ (Christian Church) split from the Presbyterian Church, as a later part of the Great Awakening movement. During the 1800s, these were all the same group of Churches with no distinctions. Then a split formed over time, and the differences increased even more as time progressed. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) formed over certain protests over the use of creeds required by the Presbyterian Church. The leaders of the Disciples of Christ founders argued that creeds are man-made, and have no place in determining church membership or identity. Rather a belief and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord should be the only requirement. In keeping with their search to return more to New Testament teachings, they also soon began to practice only immersion as baptism. The Church of Christ split came about by taking this a step further, requiring immersion baptism in addition to the act of confessing Jesus Christ in order to obtain salvation. They also were of the group of Christian Churches who were already practicing and requiring non-instrumental music (singing only) in their congregations.

Doctrine

The Churches of Christ state that they are doctrinally, spiritually, and historically with the overall church of Christ that they believe has existed continuously since its establishment by Jesus Christ in the first century A.D., rather than intentionally aligning themselves with a specific movement or denomination. They believe that certain church structures, doctrines, and hierarchies that have arisen since the first century are extra-biblical and stray from the intended format for a Christian congregation. Churches of Christ state that they derive their doctrine and ecclesiastical structure from the New Testament, and intend to avoid the binding of traditions, practices, or doctrines that have arisen since the writing of the New Testament. Thus, they recognize only Jesus Christ as founder, and they trace their ecclesiastical and spiritual origins to the first Day of Pentecost after Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension, which is when the New Testament records the birth of the church.

Modern Churches of Christ in the United States, and some elsewhere, are linked to the Restoration Movement, which was a converging of several Christians across denominational lines who sought a return to original, "pre-denominational" Christianity. Like many other individuals and Christian groups throughout the history of Christianity, the Restoration Movement was an attempt to seek doctrine and practice in the Bible only rather than recognizing the decisions of councils and denominational hierarchies that had evolved since the first century.

Churches of Christ generally have these distinctive traits:

  • The refusal to hold to any formalized creeds or statements of faith, in preference for the Bible itself
  • Autonomous, congregational church organization without denominational oversight
  • Local governance by a plurality of male elders
  • Baptism by immersion only (in obedience to the New Testament command/example, i.e., "baptizo") performed on consenting individuals (i.e., not infants) in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins
  • The weekly observance of Communion, also referred to as the Lord's Supper
  • The practice of a cappella singing in worship (although some related congregations use instruments in worship, usually known as Christian Churches)

In keeping with their history, Churches of Christ claim the New Testament as their sole rule of faith and practice in deciding matters of doctrine and ecclesiastical structure. Although they view the Old Testament as divinely inspired and historically accurate, they do not see its laws as binding under the New Covenant in Christ (unless they are repeated in the New Testament). They believe that the New Testament demonstrates how a person may become a Christian, thus a part of the universal church of Christ, and how a church should be collectively organized and carry out its scriptural purposes.

Church Population

These churches comprise about 5,062,074 members in over 40,000 individual congregations worldwide.[2] 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]

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, they believe that Christians should be referred to as the Church of Christ.

History in America

Restoration Movement

Although the Church of Christ traces its roots through autonomous congregations since the first century A.D., the American Restoration Movement of the 18th and 19th centuries resulted in the significant development and growth of Churches of Christ in America and elsewhere. This movement was an emergence of seekers who perpetuated ideals that have existed throughout church history regarding inspired truth over ecclesiastical tradition or dogma. The Restoration Movement largely 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

.

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.

Although its evolution can also be traced to the Restoration Movement, today's Disciples of Christ denomination is very different from today's Churches of Christ and Christian Churches. Unlike the latter, the Disciples of Christ denomination does not regard the autonomy of churches as one of the more important ideologies of the Restoration Movement.

During the first hundred years 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.[3]

The development of the Disciples of Christ denomination was the later result of some within the instrumental church embracing liberal teachings traditionally espoused by Protestant denominations that many others in the movement 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

Variations within Churches of Christ

Since Churches of Christ are autonomous, not denominational, and purposefully do not maintain an ecclesiastical hierarchy or doctrinal council (as they hold the Bible alone as the only source of 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.

Church organization

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. Churches of Christ are linked by their shared interpretations of biblical doctrine as listed above.

Congregational leadership

Congregations are generally overseen by a plurality of elders (also known in some congregations as shepherds) 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,[4] congregations generally have professionally educated and trained clergy and staff.[citation needed] However, Churches of Christ emphasize, based on Romans 1:7 and other passages, that each member is a minister and a saint, that no believer is more important than another, and that all should use the gifts he or she has to serve others.

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 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.[5]

Their fundamental theological axiom is either of the following:

  • A. 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;
  • B. 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. This is known by the Churches of Christ as "The Law of Silence" or "Speak where the Bible speaks, be silent where the Bible is silent".

It is important to consider that the application of the two theological axioms within individual congregations has varied over time and from doctrine to doctrine. In any given congregation, conflict may arise among members or elders with respect to the application of either axiom. Generally, advocates of a change in doctrinal emphasis may cite arguments traceable to axiom A, while advocates of the status quo may employ axiom B. Cooperative application of these two axioms can lead to a growing local congregation that recognizes differences in their members and community. On the other hand, divisive application of the axioms can lead to division and strife within the local congregation.

The differences between individual congregations can be traced by to the theological implications of the specific axiom to which specific congregation adheres. Regardless of which axiom a specific congregation holds, the biblical interpretation regarding salvation, morality, and other doctrinal issues tends to be congruent. Perhaps unexpected, due to the autonomous nature of the congregations, the form of worship is equally consistent.

Doctrine of Salvation (Soteriology)

Like most evangelical Christian churches, Churches of Christ teach that humans (of accountable age) are lost in sin, but can be redeemed because Jesus Christ, the Son of God, offered Himself as the atoning sacrifice. The primary difference between Churches of Christ and most other Christian evangelical churches is how and when a person receives salvation in Christ. Churches of Christ hold to the New Testament teaching that salvation occurs when a repentant believer submits to Christ by being baptized in His Name (e.g., Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16), rather than at the point of mental belief in Christ, the moment of repentance, or when a "sinner's prayer" to receive salvation is made.

Other Theological Tendencies

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. It is generally understood in churches of Christ that a Christian can consciously decide to cease following Christ and thus lose salvation, or "fall from grace". Hebrews 3:12, 6:4-6

Regarding eschatology, Churches of Christ are generally amillennial and take a preterist view of Apocalyptic texts. A few congregations favor premillennial interpretations.

Basis of a cappella worship practice

Most members of the church of Christ believe no evidence exists that first-century churches used instruments in worship; nor did the observant synagogues. Furthermore, with the exception of Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 which use the word "Psalms" (referencing the Old Testament book that utilizes instruments of music), 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 speaking, teaching, and admonishing in song to each other. Therefore, Churches of Christ have adhered to the practice of a cappella music in worship. It is often pointed out that, throughout church history, instrumental music in worship was not practiced until the sixth century, hence the Latin/Italian word "a cappella", meaning like 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 within that congregation.

Churches of Christ outside the United States

At least two distinct groups of churches carry the same name in Churches of Christ in Australia with approximately 150 (out of a total of 180) "Churches of Christ" having a formally defined themselves as members of the "National Conference of Churches of Christ, Inc." By sending appointed delegates to vote at such a National Conference places those churches squarely in a "denominational" structure which would separate them from non-denominational (restoration-movement-style) Churches of Christ in Australia and elsewhere. A similar New Zealand group is the Associated Churches of Christ in New Zealand. These churches take generally ecumenical views, similar to the Disciples of Christ denomination in the US. 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.[6]

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 Zealander 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.

Very large numbers of churches of Christ exist in India and sub-Saharan Africa due to the initial work of American missionaries and international Bible correspondence courses, followed by very significant internal organic growth. Significant pockets of churches of Christ can be found in Latin America, especially in the Mexican states of Nuevo León and Coahuila.

See also

References

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

Notes

  1. ^ a b Ross, Bobby Jr. "Who are we?". Features. The Christian Chronicle. Retrieved 2007-10-29.
  2. ^ "Church numbers listed by country". ChurchZip. Retrieved 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.
  3. ^ Decades of Destiny: A History of Churches of Christ from 1900-2000, edited by Lindy Adams and Scott LaMascus, pp. 28-31
  4. ^ Roberts, Price (1979), Studies for New Converts, Cincinnati: The Standard Publishing Company, pp. 53–56
  5. ^ See F.LaGard Smith, "The Cultural Church"
  6. ^ Traces of the Kingdom

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