Holier Than Thou - Disciples of Christ

Who are the Disciples of Christ?

As a wing of the American Restoration Movement, the modern day Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was founded in part by followers of Barton W. Stone (1772-1844) and Alexander Campbell (1788-1866), two former Presbyterian ministers during the Second Great Awakening. In 1801 at Cane Ridge, Kentucky, during one of the largest Christian camp revivals of the era held by Stone, denominational barriers were broken down and overcome by the Holy Spirit. After this, Stone's desire was to unite Christians of different social standing and denominations into one body. Beginning in 1832, and for nearly two decades, he teamed with Campbell to form the Stone-Campbell Movement, a non-denominational group of Pentacostal Christians organized into one body patterned after the primitive church of the New Testament. Its primary goal was to unite believers of all denominations by abandoning the technical and artificial language of scholastic theology, ecclesiastical polity, synodical covenants, and contemporary articles of belief and return to the original, simplistic faith taught by the Apostles in the New Testament. The term Disciples of Christ differentiates the Christian Church from another of its Restoration factions, that of the Christian Church (Churches of Christ). In 1927, the Disciples of Christ joined with the third Restoration Movement group, the Independent Christian Churches, which split from one another in 1968. The Disciples of Christ is considered a more liberal wing of the Christian Churches, allowing freedom of expression in worship and biblical interpretation. It also considers itself to be a unique Christian denomination, whereas the Churches of Christ choose to remain autonomous.

"Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection." (Romans 6:3-5)

Center for Transforming Worship

"Welcome to the Center for Transforming Worship (CTW), the point of contact for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) worshipping community. We invite you to explore this catalyst for shared learning, become a part of the ongoing conversation, and enter into a dynamic exchange of creative thought and practice."

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 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. Within the whole family of God on earth, the church appears wherever believers in Jesus Christ are gathered in his name. Transcending all barriers within the human family such as race and culture, the church manifests itself in ordered communities of disciples bound together for worship, for fellowship and for service, and in varied structures for mission, witness and mutual discipline, and for the nurture and renewal of its members. The nature of the church, given by Christ, remains constant through the generations; yet in faithfulness to its mission it continues to adapt its structures to the needs and patterns of a changing world. All dominion in the church belongs to Jesus Christ, its Lord and head, and any exercise of authority in the church on earth stands under his judgment. Within the universal body of Christ, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States of America and in Canada is identifiable by its tradition, name, institutions and relationships. Across national boundaries this church expresses itself in free and voluntary relationships in congregational, regional and general manifestations. Each manifestation, with reference to the function for which it is uniquely responsible, is characterized by its integrity, self-government, authority, rights and responsibilities. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and constantly seeks in all its actions to be obedient to his authority."

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana

"The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a regional manifestation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. 190 congregations are part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana. In addition, there are many other ministries designed to extend the ministry of Jesus Christ throughout the state of Indiana. The mission of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, give care and oversight to pastors and churches, provide leadership training for youth and adults, witness to the unity of the church, call and lead through ministries of love, service, justice and peace."

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Nebraska

"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 together in discipleship and in obedience to 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."

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Southwest

"CCSW Mission: In response to God's call in Jesus Christ "to become the Gospel, to share the Gospel and to serve in mission from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth," the mission of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Southwest is to be a source of vision, nurture, wholeness and mutual accountability in order to serve and to strengthen congregations. Our Priorities: Provide vision and spiritual leadership; Provide support to congregations and clergy; Structure the work of the region so that primary decision-making arises out of congregations and through the areas; Assist areas and congregations in establishing new congregations; Challenge and equip congregations to reach out and to minister to children, youth and young adults; Intentionally seek ethnic participation and representation in decision-making processes; Provide assistance and consultative help to congregations for their program needs; Facilitate inter-congregational activities; Provide systems for effective communication that will strengthen our connection."

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Virginia

"The Regional Office of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Virginia is to undergird, expand and support the ministry of the local 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 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 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."

Christian Church in Oklahoma (Disciples of Christ)

"Our region represents 178 congregations working "better together" in a covenantal relationship. We, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma, accept our mission to be the Church. By the grace of God, our ministry grows from our values. We: Serve that people will know God through Jesus Christ; Work together through covenantal relationships; Cherish the health and welfare of local congregations; Honor and accept congregational and individual diversity; Strive for effective ministry, witness and mission; Long for God's justice. Our vision, as a region, is to be a church that makes a difference in the lives of people through effective ministry, witness and mission."

Churches Uniting in Christ

"Churches Uniting in Christ is a relationship among nine Christian communions that have pledged to live more closely together in expressing their unity in Christ and to combat racism together. CUIC is both an outgrowth of and successor to the Consultation on Church Union (COCU), an organization that worked for more than 40 years toward the day when Christians can become more fully reconciled to each other."

Cunyus.com - Disciples of Christ Past and Future

"In Disciples of Christ: Past and Future, Minister and author John Cunyus traces the history of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) from its Reformation roots to the present day. Cunyus brings fresh insight into the circumstances and historic forces that combined to create the Disciples movement in the 19th Century. That movement, which spawned the present-day Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), non-denominational Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, and non-instrumental Churches of Christ, was at one point the largest Christian body born on American soil. Cunyus also traces the historic beliefs of the movement, beliefs which both gave it strength and led it ultimately to its divisions. From their frontier origins, the Disciples of Christ grew into one of America's major denominations by the 20th Century despite their frequently espoused desire to be anything but a denomination. Cunyus shows how relentless cultural change combined with the advent of biblical "higher criticism" and the emergence of professional clergy to force fundamental changes among Disciples of Christ. He recounts the events surrounding the decision by the then International Convention of the Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ) to restructure itself formally into a denomination in 1968. He describes the tragedy of Jim Jones, which forced the new denomination into a tighter control over its clergy in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He also discusses the struggles of the post-Restructure Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) as it moves into the new century. The book is presented in brief chapters, heavily footnoted, with review questions for class and small-group discussion. The book's appendices include three significant documents in the history of the movement: "The Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery," by Barton Stone; the Thirteen Proposition from "The Declaration and Address" of Thomas Campbell; and articles I through IV of the Design of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)."

Disciples of Christ Churches Webring

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Disciples of Christ Historical Society

"We are a keeper of a living dream. In the early nineteenth century Thomas and Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone proclaimed a vision that the church of Jesus Christ is essentially, intentionally and constitutionally one. Their dream continues to live through three groups of about four million members who lift that message among other communions of vastly diverse theological orientations. The three groups of the Stone-Campbell Movement are the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ and the a cappella Churches of Christ. Our Society houses 37,000 volumes and 50,000 files and personal and institutional archival collections from across the 200 years of the Stone-Campbell Movement."

Disciples Home Missions

"Before the Disciples' restructure in the late 1960s to early 1970s, those with mission concerns had organized themselves into particular societies, including the Foreign Christian Missionary Society, the American Christian Missionary Society, and the Christian Woman's Board of Mission. Over the years, these bodies had' evolved beyond voluntary associations of people to become organizations with paid staff. In 1920, these three bodies, FCMS, ACMS, and CWBM, became the United Christian Missionary Society. So, our history comes from early connections of people who gathered themselves together, pooled their resources, found ways to raise money in order to create mission�both in North American and around the world. At the time of the Disciples restructure, the United Christian Missionary Society was divided into Disciples Home Missions for work at home and the Division of Overseas Ministries for work abroad."

DisciplesWorld

"DisciplesWorld is a journal of news, opinion, and mission for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The name is drawn from that body of people - the Disciples of Christ - for and by whom it is published. It also recalls both strains of Disciples' historic journalism - news and opinion, as epitomized in The Disciple (1974-2002) and predecessors The Christian and Christian Evangelist, and mission interpretation, as delivered in World Call (1920-1973) and its forerunners. The journal is an avenue for the expression of a wide variety of opinions, whether or not those opinions reflect some establishment or preferred viewpoint. It is the people's journal, written and read by laity and clergy alike and featuring articles on a wide spectrum of topics, along with Bible lessons, columns, media reviews, meditations, poetry, and occasionally short fiction. DisciplesWorld Inc. is a recognized organization of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and reports to the denomination's General Assembly. But the magazine maintains editorial freedom in a journalistic tradition that has shaped Disciples' theology, character, and identity from the church's very beginnings. Incorporated in 2002, DisciplesWorld, Inc. is managed by a 12-member Board of Directors that meets annually. DisciplesWorld is housed in the historic Downey Avenue Christian Church on Indianapolis' east side."

Division of Higher Education Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

"The Division of Higher Education's mission is to nurture leaders for the church � both lay and clergy � in partnership with the church's institutions of higher education. Disciples-related institutions are exciting places, providing new ideas, insights, and projects about which congregations and the larger community of the church should know. DHE administers several scholarship programs for undergraduate students who volunteer to play active roles in church leadership and for potential ministers. Another DHE service aids those who wish to support higher education through special grant and scholarship programs. We also work actively with colleges, universities, and theological institutions to continue developing future leaders for the church. DHE works with more than 80 campus ministry units across the country. Through programs such as the Student Ecumenical Partnership (STEP), we work with other denominations to help the church as a whole. To learn more about these institutions, services provided for current or prospective students at Disciples schools, or to contact our staff, please feel free to explore the web site."

The Examiner

"During the eight years of its publication, The Examiner was distributed free and had readers internationally. Primarily, it examines doctrines peculiar to the Church Of Christ, the Christian Church, and the Disciples of Christ (churches of "The Restoration Movement"). Published January 1986 through November 1993, 6 times a year. Editor: Charles A. Holt. Publisher: Truth & Freedom Ministry, Inc., Chattanooga, TN (USA)."

GLAD Alliance, Inc.

"The Gay, Lesbian, and Affirming Disciples Alliance is an organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and affirming members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). We are a prophetic voice calling for the full inclusion of LGBT persons in the Church. We nurture and support one another. We provide educational resources to the Church on issues important to LGBT Christians. We gather annually for fellowship, worship, nurture, support, and education at the General Assembly of the Christian Church and in other locations during years when the Assembly does not meet. We also gather in regional chapters. We invite congregations and other manifestations of the Christian Church to declare themselves Open & Affirming, to proclaim publicly that LGBT persons are welcome in the life and leadership of the Church. We work with similar welcoming congregation programs in other denominations, providing time and resources to advance this call for inclusion throughout the whole Church."

Global Ministries

"A common witness of the Division of Overseas Ministries, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Wider Church Ministries, United Church of Christ. We commit ourselves to a shared life in Christ and to an ecumenical global sharing of resources and prophetic vision of a just and peaceful world order, joining with God�s concern for the poor and oppressed. This commitment will be reflected in common decision-making for mission program which will visibly witness to the oneness of mission in and through the Church of Jesus Christ."

New Church Ministry

"Although each Disciples congregation has its own personality, all have members who care for each other, opportunities to grow and learn, and ways to serve others. As churches grow in true community, members care deeply for one another. But true community also means reaching out to include others�encouraging the growth of a diverse community in which all are welcomed and cared for. In Disciples congregations, study and fellowship groups offer opportunities to ask honest questions, share opinions and discover ways to deal with life�s difficult issues and to grow in faith. Disciples seek to provide a rich fellowship and sense of community for people of all ages and walks of life. Disciples ministries don�t stop at the front door of the church building. We work to make a difference in our neighborhoods and the wider community. As followers of Jesus we help in soup kitchens and food pantries, shelter the homeless and care for children. We advocate for fairness in laws and public policy. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has committed itself to become an anti-racist, pro-reconciling church. Our shared ministries reach out across North America. We �get dirty for Jesus,� repairing homes and community centers, cleaning up after natural disasters and bringing hope where there is despair. Disciples facilities care for abused children and their families, persons with disabling conditions and senior adults. Our higher education institutions educate and train women and men for the ministry and for careers in other fields. Disciples overseas ministries stretch around the world. With partner churches we tell the Good News, help dig wells, train pastors, immunize children and much more. We also help persons in times of natural disaster, economic upheaval and war."

Northwest Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

"As one of thirty-three geographic regions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada, the Northwest Region works to provide 67 congregations and nearly 7,000 active members with the instruments to carry out our Mission Imperative: To be an instrument of God in the strengthening and building of faithful and effective congregations. Our Staff, Board Members and Teams work to provide materials and programs designed for congregational growth and vitality, to engage members in forums and training events that help nurture and enhance leadership skills- in adults as well as youth and young adults, help congregations understand and address justice issues, manage the resources and property of the region, and so much more."

Restoration Movement

"These pages are for your reading and viewing pleasure and feature historical texts, pictures, resources for historical research and links to other relevant pages dealing with the Restoration Movement. This nineteenth-century unity and restitution effort by Barton W. Stone and Thomas and Alexander Campbell spawned several distinct religious groups: the Churches of Christ, the Christian Churches, and the Disciples of Christ. The wider historical context also includes the Christian Churches of James O'Kelly and the Christian Connexion of Elias Smith and Abner Jones. The Restoration Movement pages seek to accommodate the historical heritage of all of these religious traditions."

TheRestorationMovement.com

"Is it possible to read your Bible, and from your reading, see that in the New Testament there is a Church that Jesus established? Is it possible to see in the Bible, that God set forth His standard of acceptance in salvation, worship, church organization and daily living? Is it possible to follow the teachings of God, revealed in the New Testament, to direct our lives in the same way as He did first century Christians? The answer to all the questions above is a resounding, Yes! For since the writing of the New Testament, men and women of all walks of life have studied their Bibles, and seen how one, even to this day, can become a Christian the way those in New Testament times became Christians. They have seen how one can establish the Church of the New Testament and emulate its structure, worship, and activity. Someone has rightfully expressed that we should always remember to stop and show appreciation for the bridges we have crossed. For the Christian this is especially true! Not only are we to be thankful for the work of the apostles and early church workers in the 1st century A.D., but we should also remember the value of all those since who have directed others to give up the shackles of religious error, only to take on the truth revealed in God's Word. This website is dedicated to the many men and women who have struggled in the Restoration Of New Testament Christianity, to take us back to the Bible, and to let it be our only standard of faith and practice."

"When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)