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MILTON
CHRISTIAN CHURCH
(Disciples of Christ)
What We Believe
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) had its beginnings on the American frontier in the early 1800's, with roots in the great revival which took place near Cane Ridge, Kentucky. Once established, the church grew rapidly, spreading westward as the nation itself grew. Today, churches of this religious body can be found in the U. S., Canada, Africa and many other parts of the world.
Among the early leaders were Thomas and Alexander Campbell. They were Presbyterian by background, but both were unhappy with the many divisions within the churches, and both found such ideas as closed communion reprehensible. Upon arrival in the U. S. from Ireland and Scotland respectively, they sought to bring a new sense of unity to the churches already there. They had a vision of a Church united through the adherence to simple, New Testament principles. They believed that a commitment to the patterns of the Bible in form and practice could become a basis for uniting all Christians.
Barton Stone, a Presbyterian minister, was present at the Cane Ridge Revival meetings in the early 1800's. He, too, was concerned about the many divisions within the churches, and wished for a simple, New Testament based faith. Working in Ohio and surrounding states, he was developing a movement very similar to what the Campbells were organizing in Pennsylvania.
In 1832, the followers of of the Campbell’s and Stone came together at Lexington, Kentucky.
Stone shook hands with representatives of the Campbell’s movement, and a new religious body was born. They did not wish to form another Christian denomination, but hoped to become a catalyst for moving the whole Church toward unity.
Among the colorful figures from the church’s early history are Walter Scott, and "Raccoon" John Smith. Both were traveling evangelists. Scott was a preacher of great power who would win a thousand or more converts each year of his ministry. He developed a ‘five-finger exercise’ to make faith as simple as possible for frontier hearers, many of whom were of very limited education. Using the fingers of one hand, he would preach on repentance, belief, baptism, salvation, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Smith was a true frontiersman who was rough in manner, decidedly outspoken, always willing to debate, and who created a stir wherever he went.
What ultimately emerged from the labors of these five, and many others, was a church committed to scripture as its guide for faith and life; to simple, unadorned worship; to the Lord’s Supper as the central focus of each Sunday’s service; and to believer’s baptism by immersion.
In keeping with its frontier roots, the churches became democratic in structure and utilitarian in outlook. The founding vision of Christian unity has remained a firm commitment across the years. The churches are involved today in ecumenical ministries all over the world. A primary characteristic of the churches is freedom of belief and diversity of practice under the umbrella of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.
Today there are over 4000 congregations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the U. S. and Canada. You can check the Disciples’ Homepage listed in this material for information about a church near you.
CHARACTERISTIC
BELIEFS
OF THE
CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES
OF CHRIST)
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) does not have a formal doctrinal statement. An historic cry of the churches has been, "No creed but Christ." However, there are common beliefs which characterize the people and congregations of the movement.
While the church does not have a creedal statement, it does have the following formulation which is a part of the Preamble for the Design for the Church. It is probably the closest to a creed Disciples will ever get.
As members of the Christian Church,
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 inthe 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 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 the One
whose kingdom has no end.
Blessing, glory and honor
be to God forever. Amen.
-Preamble to the Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
last updated:
05/08/2007 12:00 PM