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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.
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The churches of Christ are non-denominational, autonomous Christian congregations and are historically linked to the Restoration Movement.

Churches of Christ aim to represent in the present the original first-century Church. Members regard the Church's founder as Jesus Christ and its first day of manifestation as the Day of Pentecost described in the New Testament in Acts 2. Churches of Christ claim the New Testament as their sole authority in deciding matters of doctrine, ecclesiastical structure, and moral beliefs. They regard the Old Testament as divinely inspired, and that its principles remain true and beneficial although its laws are not binding under the new covenant in Christ unless otherwise taught in the New Testament.

Members of the churches of Christ 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. 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 one. 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.

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 of believers 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, congregational 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); and the practice by most congregations of a cappella worship singing.

Church Population

These churches comprise about 2,000,000 members in over 40,000 individual congregations worldwide. [1] 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]).[2]

Self-identification

Members consider themselves "Christians only". They hold to the biblical and historical belief that the Church was founded by Jesus Christ, and that its doctrines and practices were established long before these other traditions, movements, structures, councils, etc. They teach that the Church therefore biblically, historically and spiritually transcends these other entities that developed later within Christendom. Members also 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 (e.g., Romans 16:16).

History in America

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 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.

In contrast, what is today known 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).

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 the others 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 not denominational 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.

Differences between local congregations include non-institutionalism (a minority disapproves of utilizing organizations outside the local congregation to evangelize and provide benevolence ministries), [3] whether the local church can raise money for its work by any means other than the free will offerings of its members,[4] and varied beliefs regarding the scriptural legitimacy of church-maintained fellowship halls[5] and recreational facilities. For further information about this segment see non-institutional Churches of Christ and/or Church of Christ subgroups.

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.

Church organization

Congregational autonomy

Church government is congregational rather than denominational. The churches of Christ purposefully have no formally recognized headquarters, councils, or hierarchal 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. Unifying roles in this informal network are played by religious publications and the colleges and universities that train the churches' ministers.

Congregational leadership

Congregations are individually overseen by a plurality of elders (also known as shepherds, pastors, overseers, or bishops) who are assisted in the administration of various works by deacons. Elders and deacons are chosen 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 professionally educated and trained preachers and staff as in most other Christian traditions. Churches of Christ also emphasize that each member is a minister, that no believer is more important than another, and that all should use the gifts he or she has to serve others. Often the elders and ministers in a congregation have duties that are similar to clergy duties in other religious bodies.

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 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.

Some believe God only binds people 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. Others have a more stringent view of Scripture, believing that only what is expressly commanded, given as an approved example, or indicated as obvious 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 the church, allows open interpretation for the uninhibited search and discovery of the original meanings of biblical texts. For all the variation this approach allows, churches of Christ tend to be uncannily similar in their biblical interpretations regarding salvation, morality, and liturgy or form of worship, although the style might vary.

Doctrine of Salvation (Soteriology)

Churches of Christ profess the doctrine common to most Protestant evangelical groups—that humans (of accountable age) are lost in sin (Romans 3:23) but can be redeemed because Jesus Christ, the Son of God, offered Himself as the atoning sacrifice (Romans 6:23). Churches of Christ differ in placing the exact timing of this salvation at the moment one is baptized by bodily immersion. They cite various passages in support of this (Mark 16.16, John 3.3-5, Acts 2.38, Acts 22.16, I Peter 3.21). This stands in contrast to evangelicals who (citing John 3.16 and 1 Peter 3. 21) place salvation at the moment of "acceptance of Christ." Baptism in churches of Christ is performed only by bodily immersion. (The New Testament Greek term baptizo means "to immerse"; churches of Christ take this to mean whole-body submersion in water). Only those capable of personally making the commitment are baptized; infant baptism is not practiced.

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 their 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).

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

Churches of Christ characteristically forbid the use of musical instruments in group worship. Two arguments are offered in support of this stance. The first is that no evidence exists that the first Christians used instruments. It is pointed out that in all of church history, instrumental music in worship was not practiced until the sixth century, hence the Latin/Italian word a cappella (as the chapel). If the early Church did not use instruments in its pristine state, nothing is served by introducing them. The second is that the New Testament passages that mention singing do not mention instruments. On this basis, it is reasoned, instruments must represent superfluous frills at best and disobedience at worst. The level of conviction regarding a cappella only worship varies from church to church. To some this 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, to use 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.

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 Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Churches of Christ in Europe arose separately from the American RM 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 is 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 Fiti Levu, the main island within the Fijian 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 Leon and Coahuhila in Mexico.

See also

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

Notes

  1. ^ "Church numbers listed by country". ChurchZip. Retrieved 2007-09-11. This is a live country-by-country tabulation, and is known to under-represent certain developing countries.
  2. ^ "Who are we?". The Christian Chronicle. Retrieved 2007-09-11.
  3. ^ "What Is Institutionalism?". The Good Fight. Retrieved 2007-06-13. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  4. ^ Bronger, J. R. (1999-06-13). "The Church, Part 8". What Is Written. Traders Point Church of Christ. Retrieved 2007-06-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  5. ^ "Is it ok to eat in the Church building, fellowship hall, multi-purpose room or any room purchased with offering money?". Frequently Asked Questions. Rivermont Church of Christ. Retrieved 2007-06-13. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

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