For more info go to www.disciples.org.

WHO ARE THE DISCIPLES?

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a community of about 850,000 Christians in 3,800 congregations in the United States and Canada. Two groups of frontier Christians came together in 1832 to form the foundation of today's Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). They shared the view that people should not be excluded from fellowship in the church because they didn't adhere to a particular human-made creed. They used to say there is "no creed but Christ." Today's Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) still thinks that way. We study the Bible to deepen our connection to God through Jesus Christ, and to discover what God wants us to do.

We believe that God is calling the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of the 21st century to be a faithful, growing church that demonstrates true community, deep Christian spirituality and a passion for justice. Our mission is to be and to share the good news of Jesus Christ, witnessing, serving, and loving from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth. We are devoted to strenghtening our congregations for this mission. Many disciples have conservative views. Many others have liberal views. But we share the belief that we are united in our faith that "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, the Savior of the World. Two really important things to Disciples are communion and baptism. We celebrate communion, or the Lord's Supper, each time we get together to praise God. We like it when there are a lot of different people at communion. We believe that Christ heals the pain of human separation around the communion table. People who become Christians in a Disciples congregation do a couple of things. First, they say "I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and I accept him as my personal Savior." Then, usually on another day, they are baptized-that is, they are dunked fully under water in a small pool right in the church. When they come up they are new people in Christ and their congregation pledges to support them and help them grow into a deeper relationship with God through Jesus Christ. People who have been baptized in another way in another Christian tradition are welcome. They don't have to be dunked to get in. Disciples' congregations own their own property and have full control of their budgets and program. They decide whom to call as a pastor. Pastors may be men or women.

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) does a lot to help people in need in North America and around the world. It also is very active in developing relationships and ministries that try to bring together Christians from a variety of traditions.

Disciples Reflect Frontier Roots

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was founded in the early 1800's in the United States.  Seeking to move beyond denominational disagreements, the founder envisioned only one Christian Church, modeled on the New Testament.

The Church grew rapidly across the American frontier, in part because it shared many values of the early settlers.

Today our nearly 4,000 congregations still have some of these characteristics.

Each congregation is a self-governing unit and calls its own pastor.

Worship services may be formal or informal, and include lay men and women as leaders.

Open discussion of issue is encouraged.  A variety of opinions is welcome.

Our congregations include a broad ethnic and racial membership.

What do Disciples believe?

Like most Christians, Disciples affirm:

Jesus Christ is the son of the Living God, and offers saving grace to all.

All persons are God's children.

Beliefs and practices usually associated with Disciples include:

  Open Communion.  The Lord's Supper, or Communion, is celebrated in weekly worship.  It is open to all believers.

Diversity of opinion.  Each Person is free to determine individual belief guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study 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.

Importance of church unity.  All Christians should cooperate in ministry wherever possible, affirming each other as sisters and brothers in Christ.

The ministry of all believers.  Both ministers and lay persons lead worship, direct service opportunities and nurture spiritual growth.

Freedom of belief.  Disciples are called together around one essential of faith:  belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Discover Serving Others

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 Jesus' followers we help in soup kitchens and food pantries, shelter the homeless and care for children.  Sometimes we work to change unfair laws or challenge discrimination.

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 was despair.  Some 80 Disciples facilities care for abused children and their families, persons with disabling conditions or senior adults.  Our 22 higher education institutions touch students as they make decisions for the future.

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 political uncertainty.

Come, join us in service.
The chalice symbolizes the central place of communion in worship for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  The X-shaped cross of the disciple Andrew is a reminder of the ministry of each person and the importance of evangelism.

For more info go to www.disciples.org.