Beliefs
The symbol of The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is
a red communion chalice emblazoned with an X-shaped St.
Andrew's cross. Red is the color of blood, as well as a
symbol of the Holy Spirit. The cup symbolizes the central
place communion holds in our worship and life. The cross
reflects the church's Scottish Presbyterian roots.
The cross also suggests the humble service of
discipleship. Jesus' disciple Andrew brought the
Christian faith to Scotland. Tradition has it that he
was crucified because of his ministry. When the
terrible moment came, he declared himself unworthy of being
crucified on a cross like his Lord's, and requested that he
be nailed to an X-shaped cross instead. The St.
Andrew's cross continues to signify humility and sacrifice.
What We Believe
- Jesus is Christ. Scripture bears witness that
in Jesus God has reconciled the world to himself. As our
Messiah, Jesus is God's anointed for our
salvation.
- Open Communion. The Lord's Supper is celebrated
in weekly worship and it is open to all who believe in
Jesus Christ.
- The Oneness of the Church. All Christians are
called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for
common witness and service.
- Freedom of Belief. We believe in Jesus Christ
as Lord and Savior (Matthew 16.16). We also believe that
Christians are free to follow their conscience guided by
Bible study, the Holy Spirit, reason, and prayer. We are
expected by God to extend that freedom to others.
- Importance of Scripture. We believe scripture
bears witness to God's Word who is Jesus Christ. The
Bible is a living witness that can be interpreted
faithfully in light of history, tradition, and the light
of human reason. The biblical witness affirms God's love
for creation, acknowledges the depths of human
sinfulness and the pain of division, and tells the story
of salvation.
- Baptism by Immersion. In baptism, the old
self-centered life is set aside, washed away, and a new
life of trust in God begins. We practice baptism by
immersion while respecting and acknowledging other
baptismal traditions.
- The Ministry of Believers. Both clergy and
laypersons lead in worship, service, and spiritual
growth.
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
- Formed in the United States in 1832
- Building a church united in confession of Jesus Christ
- Modeled on the New Testament
- Pioneering to move beyond denominational disagreements
- Over 3,700 congregations strong
- Partnering in mission in over 30 countries
- Founder of 22 colleges and universities, 50+
benevolent homes and 6 U.S. mission centers
- Demonstrating true community, deep Christian
spirituality, and a passion for justice
The Preamble to the Design of the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
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 the covenant of love which binds us to God and
one another.
Through baptism into Christ we enter into newness of life
and are made one with the whole people of God.
In the communion of the Holy Spirit
we are joined in discipleship and 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 the One whose kingdom has no end.
