BELIEFS & COMMUNITY
Churches of Christ: baptism, Communion and local autonomy
Religious Values guide · Updated
Churches of Christ belong to the wider Stone-Campbell or Restoration heritage, which sought Christian unity through a return to New Testament faith and practice. Congregations are locally governed, with no single worldwide headquarters. Believer's baptism by immersion and regular celebration of the Lord's Supper are important features of many communities.
The name Church of Christ is used by different groups. This guide concerns the Restoration tradition, especially congregations commonly known by that name in the United States.
Baptism within a response of faith
Churches in this heritage closely connect faith, repentance and baptism. Immersion is understood through the New Testament account of joining Christ in his death and resurrection. The exact language used to explain salvation can differ between congregations. Ask the local church how it relates grace, personal faith and baptism, rather than assuming its view matches a Baptist church simply because both practice immersion.[1]
Communion and congregational singing
Weekly Communion is a familiar feature of the tradition. Many Churches of Christ are known for singing without instruments, but that is not universal. Highland Church of Christ in Abilene, for example, describes both a cappella and instrumental services. A concrete example like this shows why worship practice should be checked locally rather than made into an absolute rule for every congregation using the name.[2]
Local authority and shared heritage
The Restoration ideal favors the New Testament as the basis for the church and resists making later denominational labels the source of Christian unity. Local autonomy means that neighboring congregations can differ in organization, interpretation and practice. Shared history does not imply that every Church of Christ belongs to one administrative body, or that it is part of the Disciples of Christ or International Churches of Christ.[1][3]
Common questions
Are all Churches of Christ a cappella?
No. A cappella worship is a significant tradition, particularly in many US congregations, but some offer instrumental services. Ask a church about its own practice and the reasons behind it.[2]
How do I identify which Church of Christ I am researching?
Read its history and affiliations and ask about leadership, baptism and Communion. The name is broad enough that a location and organizational connection are necessary to avoid confusing separate communities.
Sources & further reading
The sources below explain the beliefs and practices discussed here. Where a guide describes a broad movement, a named organization illustrates its own approach.
- 1.ACU Restoration archive: William Robinson on Churches of Christ
A historical voice from the movement; its polemical judgments are not adopted here.
- 2.Highland Church of Christ: Visiting and worship
One congregation's first-person description of weekly Communion and different musical services.
- 3.Disciples of Christ: Important historical dates
A related body's timeline of the broader Stone-Campbell heritage.