The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a Protestant denomination with ties to the Christian Reformed and Restoration movements.
Often referred to as The Christian Church, The Disciples of Christ, or The Disciples, the Christian Church is a charter member of the National Council of Churches, the World Council of Churches and the Consultation on Church Union.
When the Restorationist groups headed by Alexander and Thomas Campbell merged with those of Barton Stone, the resulting organization was known as both Christians and Disciples. In the last part of the 19th century, however, a conflict developed between conservative and progressive factions of the movement. Situated mostly in the South, the conservatives withdrew in protest over the development of missionary societies. The conservatives also opposed the use of instrumental music in worship services.
In 1906, the conservative group formed a new denomination known as the Churches of Christ, while the progressives became known as the Disciples of Christ. In 1968, the Disciples reorganized as The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Unhappy with the centralized restructuring, many of the independent Christian Church congregations withdrew from the organization, forming the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ.
Disciples believe that the Bible is the sole authority, providing guidance for worship, discipline, and church polity. Members are free to follow their own conscience, as guided by the Holy Spirit, in the matter of interpretation.
As a congregational church, each congregation determines the order of worship. In most congregations, the observance of the Lord's Supper is an essential part of the worship service. Most churches in the denomination practice the baptism of believers by immersion.
To the Disciples, the acceptance of Jesus as Lord in Savior, and obedience to Him in baptism, are essential to salvation. Acceptance of any other statement of belief or creed are required. Subsequently, members are free to question or deny beliefs that are common in mainstream Protestant churches, including the Incarnation of Christ, the Trinity, atonement, the Second Coming of Christ, heaven, and hell. Even in the same congregations, there are sometimes members who hold opposing beliefs on a variety of theological issues that are essential in several other denominations.
The Disciples do not have a policy on same-sex marriage, and congregations are free to decide these issues for themselves.
Congregations are autonomous. They select their own leadership and own their own property. In congregations of the Disciples of Christ, lay people who have been elected and ordained as elders preside alongside ordained pastors in the celebration of the Lord's Supper, and both elders and pastors provide spiritual oversight over the local church.
At the denominational level, the General Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) includes the office of the General Minister and President, the Christian Board of Publication (Chalice Press), the Christian Church Foundation, Church Extension, the Council on Christian Unity, the Disciples of Christ Historical Society, Disciples Home Missions, the Division of Overseas Ministries (Global Ministries), Higher Education and Leadership Ministers, the National Benevolent Association, and the Pension Fund.
The Disciples of Christ operates or is affiliated with several seminaries, theological institutions, universities, and colleges. Included are Brite Divinity School, Christian Theological Seminary, Lexington Theological Seminary, Phillips Theological Seminary, Disciples Divinity House at the Universit of Chicago and Vanderbilt University, Disciples Seminary Foundation, Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico, Pacific School of Religion, Barton College, Bethany College, Chapman University, Columbia College, Culver-Stockton College, Drury University, Eureka College, Hiram College, Jarvis Christian College, University of Lynchburg, Midway University, Northwest Christian University, Texas Christian University, Tougaloo College, Transylvania College, and William Woods University.
Former US presidents, James A. Garfield, Lyndon Baines Johnson, and Ronald Reagan were members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Other former members have included Edgar Cayce, J. William Fulbright, Jim Jones, and Colonel Harlan Sanders.
Membership in the Disciples of Christ peaked in 1958, and has been gradually declining since. The denomination is strongest in Missouri, Texas, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.
The central point of this category is on the denomination known as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The General Church site or any of its agencies, corporations, or organizations are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Made up of congregations throughout the United States and Canada, the site’s history and a profile are set forth, along with its views and practices on communion and baptism, the priorities of the church, and its mission, vision, and confession. An introductory video is presented, along with teaching and preaching resources, and its general and regional ministries, stewardship policies, and events.
https://disciples.org/
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Alabama - Northwest Florida
Member congregations are listed, along with addresses, telephone numbers, minister’s name and web addresses, when available. Regional clergy and staff are introduced, its mission priorities, ministries, conferences, camps, and camp registrations are included. Other resources include galleries of photographs and video, regional news and notes, clergy information, leader’s packets, and workshops.
http://www.alnwfldisciples.org/
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia
Congregations, member organizations, and ministries in Georgia can be found on an interactive map or in a list, which includes addresses, contacts, web addresses, and service times. General church planning information is posted, and a calendar of regional events, camps, and conferences are posted. Photo and video galleries, church news, and announcements are included. Books and other resources may be purchased online.
http://www.gadisciples.org/
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana
The regional judiciary office of the Disciples of Christ is made up of more than a hundred and fifty congregations and over four hundred ordained and commissioned clergy in Indiana. Its regional board, commissions, missions, and staff are identified, and its member congregations, camps, and programs are featured. Leadership contacts, a calendar of events, announcements, and other resources are included.
http://indianadisciples.org/
A general ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Historical Society is situated next to Alexander Campbell’s study and mansion, across the street from the Campbell cemetery, and up the road from the Old Meetinghouse, where the Campbell’s preached. The Society’s mission, vision, staff, trustees, and volunteer opportunities are posted to the site, along with a brief history of the movement, including places of interest.
https://www.discipleshistory.org/
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Tennessee
A brief history of the Disciples in Christ in Tennessee is set forth, and its regional staff, boards, commissions, and elders are identified. Camps, retreats, and other events at Bethany Hills are featured, with an overview of the facilities, its counselors, and programs. Member congregations, job and internship opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and its pulpit supply services are included. Event registrations may be done through the site.
http://tndisciples.org/
