Our practices include:
- Open Communion. The Lord's Supper is celebrated weekly in worship. Christ's table is open to all.
- Diversity of opinion. Each person is free to determine individual belief guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study, group discussion, and prayer.
- Baptism by immersion. In baptism the old self-centered life is set aside, and a new life of trust in God is made possible. We also honor other traditions of baptism.
- The ministry of all believers. Ministers and lay persons lead worship, serve our community, teach, and nurture spiritual growth.
- Freedom of belief. Disciples are called together around one essential of faith: belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was founded in the early 1800s in the United States. Seeking to move beyond denominational disagreements, the founders envisioned a united church of Jesus Christ modeled on the New Testament.
Today our nearly 3,800 congregations still share these characteristics:
- Each congregation is self-governing and calls its own pastor.
- Worship services may be formal or informal, and include lay women and men in leadership.
- Open discussion of issues is encouraged. Diversity of opinion is common.
- We are growing in racial and ethnic diversity.
