You have probably heard of churches of Christ. And perhaps you’ve asked “Who are these people?”
What - if anything - distinguishes them from the hundreds of other churches in the world? You may have wondered:
What is their historical background?
How many members do they have?
How are they governed?
How do they worship?
What do they believe about the Bible?
People of a Restoration Spirit
Not a Denomination
Unity Based Upon the Bible
Terms of Membership
Emphasis on Baptism
Worldwide there are some 20,000 congregations called churches of Christ with a total of 2.5 to 3 million individual members. There are small congregations, consisting of just a few members and large ones made up of several hundred members. Actually, since we have no earthly head or headquarters hence no centralized agency to gather statistics, we can only guess at these numbers. No individual nor group of individuals are authorized to speak for churches of Christ. There is no doubt that some Christians are never counted in any statistics. Some churches meet in private homes and are not know to exist except by the folks who live in the immediate area.
The greatest concentration of numerical strength (that is strength in regard numbers) in churches of Christ is in the southern United States where for instance, there are about 40,000 members in some 135 congregations in Nashville, Tennessee. Or, in Dallas, Texas, where there are approximately 36,000 members in many local congregations. In such states as Kentucky - and others - there is a church of Christ in practically every town, no matter how large or small.
It must be noted, however, that some of these groups engage in
activities that aren’t authorized, and if they haven’t already lost their
identity as truly being “of Christ,” as was in danger of happening
to some of the local churches to whom John wrote in Asia in Revelation
2:5, this will surely happen to them unless they come back to the New
Testament pattern of organization, worship and work (Colossians 3:17;
2 John 9-11). This just goes to show how important each local
group being autonomous really is! One may apostatize from the faith and
not actually do any harm to a sister congregation if she remains faithful
to the pattern. So each Christian must determine by comparing the
congregations across the land with the New Testament to see which one he/she
should “join themselves” to for work and worship (Acts 9:26-28;3 John
9-10).
While the number of congregations and members is not so numerous
in other places, there are churches of Christ in every state in the United
States and in over a hundred other countries. Keep in mind that I am only
reporting what I have read and heard. As stated elsewhere, “no man or group
of men are authorized to speak for the church of Christ or for any congregation
of the Lord’s people!”
Members of churches of Christ are a people of “restoration spirit”-desiring to restore in our time the original New Testament religion as found in the word of Christ. Therefore we often plead with folks to “come with us back to the Bible, and let’s call Bible things by Bible names and do Bible things in Bible ways.” We are often heard to say of ourselves, “we speak where the Bible speaks, and are silent where the Bible is silent.” This of course is a paraphrase of Peter’s inspired statement found in 1 Peter 4:11. This principle followed will embrace things that many religionist do not now embrace as well as eliminate many things that religious folks are engaged in without Biblical authority. Above all, it is a scriptural plea.
Every now an then others will recognize the above plea to be valid. Dr. Hans Kung, a well-known European theologian, published a book a few years ago entitled The Church. Dr. Kung lamented the fact that the established church (denominationalism ket) has lost its way; has become burdened down with tradition; has failed to be what Christ planned it (the church we read of in the bible, ket) should be.
The only answer, according to Dr. Kung, is to go back to the scriptures to see what the church was in its beginning, and then to recover in the twentieth century the essence of the original church. This is what faithful Christians and local churches of Christ are intent on doing. To the extent that we have accomplished this noble objective, we must not be identified as a denomination, but as simply Christians and collectively local churches of Christ, just as those that existed in Bible days (Romans 16:16; Philippians 1:1-2; Acts 14:23; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
In the latter part of the 18th century, men of different denominations, studying independently of each other, in various parts of the world, began to ask:
- Why not go back beyond denominationalism to the simplicity and purity
of the first-century church?
- Why not take the Bible alone and once again continue “steadfastly
in the apostles’ teaching...” (Acts 2:42)?
- Why not plant the same seed (the Word of God, Luke 8:11), that first century Christians planted, and be Christians only, as they were?
They were pleading with everyone to throw off denominationalism, to throw away human creeds, and to follow only the Bible.
They taught that nothing should be required of people as acts of faith except that which is evident in the scriptures.
They emphasized that going back to the Bible does not mean the establishment of another denomination, but rather a return to the original church, to the practice of the religion of Christ as He originally gave it to those whom He sent the Holy Spirit to guide into all truth (John 16:12-13).
Members of faithful churches of Christ are enthusiastic about this approach. This is not because at some time in history some folks began to speak as is evidenced in the above quotes, but because what they were saying is a biblically sound principle. I have no desire to be associated as a part of “a movement” be it called “restoration movement” or whatever; I simply want to be associated with those today who respect the divine authority of the Scriptures as the inerrant and infallible word of Christ. With the Bible as our only guide we seek to find what the original church was like and be exactly that.
We do not see this as arrogance, but the very opposite. We are saying that we do not have the right to ask for men’s allegiance to a human organization - but only the right to call upon men to follow God’s blueprint. Unless one stands upon totally scriptural ground, one has not the right to call others to come stand with him (Colossians 3:17; 2 John 9-11; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18).
For this reason, we are not interested in man-made creeds, but simply in the New Testament pattern. We do not conceive of ourselves as being a denomination, nor as Catholic, Protestant, or Jewish - but simply as members of the church which Jesus established and for which he died. (See Matthew 16:13-19; Ephesians 5:22-33; Acts 20:28).
That, incidentally, is one reason why we wear his name. The term “church of Christ” is not used as a denominational designation, but rather as a descriptive term indicating that the church belongs to Christ. We accept every designation by which the church universal or local congregations of Christians were known as found in the New Testament.
We recognize our own personal short-comings and weaknesses - and this is all the more reason for wanting to carefully follow the all-sufficient and perfect plan God has for the church.
Since God has vested “all authority” in Christ (Matthew 28:18), and since he serves as God’s spokesman today (Hebrews 1:1,2; Acts 3:22-23), it is our conviction that only Christ has the authority to say what the church is and what we should teach (Ephesians 1:22,23; Colossians 1:18). And since only the New testament sets forth Christ’s instructions to his disciples, it alone must serve as the basis for all religious teaching and practice. This is fundamental with members of churches of Christ. We believe that teaching the New Testament without modification is the only way to lead men and women to become Christians. (See Hebrews 9:15-17; Hebrews 10:9; Colossians 2:14; Galatians 5:4-6; 2 Corinthians 3:1-18).
We believe religious division is bad! In fact when divisions are caused due to disregarding the teachings of Jesus, they are sinful (Matthew 18:7). Jesus prayed for unity (John 17:17,20-21).This unity was to be based on the apostle’s teachings. Later, the apostle Paul begged those who were divided over whose name to wear, to unite and to wear only the name of Him who was crucified for them, and Him by whose authority they were immersed, Christ. That name is “Christian” (1 Corinthians 1:10-12; 3:1-6). See also (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 4:16; Acts 11:26b).
We believe the only way to achieve unity is by a return to the Bible. Compromise cannot bring unity. And surely no person, nor group of persons, has the right to draw up a set of rules by which everyone must abide. But it is altogether proper to say, “Let’s unite by just following the Bible.” This is fair. This is safe. This is right. So faithful Christians and faithful churches of Christ, plead for religious unity based solely upon the Bible. We believe that to subscribe to any creed other than the New Testament, to refuse to obey any New Testament command, or to follow any practice not sustained by the New Testament is to add to or take away from the teachings of God. And both additions and subtractions are condemned in the Bible (Galatians 1:6-9; Revelation 22:18, 19; 2 John 9-11).
This is the reason the New Testament is the only rule of faith and practice we have in faithful churches of Christ. You will note that I mention “faithful” Christians and “faithful” churches of Christ. I do this to recognize that there is more to being a church of Christ than just calling a local group that, to really be a church of Christ that group must adhere to all of the unique characteristics which identify a congregation as belonging to Christ (2 John 9; Matthew 28:20; Philippians 4:9).
Churches of Christ have none of the trappings of modern-day organizational bureaucracy. There are no governing boards - neither district, regional, national or international - no earthly headquarters and no man-designed organization.
Each congregation is autonomous (self ruled) and is independent of every other congregation. The only tie which binds the many congregations together is a common allegiance to Christ and the Bible.
There are no conventions, annual meetings, nor official publications. Faithful congregations do cooperate but we do not form inter-congregational organizations smaller than a local church nor extra-congregational organizations such as a “sponsoring eldership” or a human institution larger than the local church through which churches funnel funds to do church work. All church work is done under the oversight of each congregation’s elders. (Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17,28,32; Hebrews 13:7,17; 1 Peter 5:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-17). When sister congregations find themselves unable to take care of their own, other congregations assist them, taking the things needed to the elders of the church in need and allowing them to make distribution (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians chapters 8-9; Romans 15:25-28; Acts 11:30). “World this,” and “world that,” activities tending to activate the church universal through one eldership or through some human organization are unknown to the New Testament teachings. “All purpose rooms” and “family life centers” along with so called “fellowship halls” designed to feed and entertain the membership of local churches of Christ, are likewise unknown to the activities of local churches of Christ about which one may read in the New Testament. When local churches of Christ become involved in such, they are headed back toward denominationalism, not New Testament religion! The mission of the blood purchased church is mainly spiritual and local congregations of Christians are not to preach nor practice a “social gospel” designed to provide (as is sometimes said) for “the total man.” Recreation and social activities are to be taken care of by the home and family, not local churches of Christ See (1 Corinthians 11:22).
Each congregation is governed locally by a plurality of elders selected from among the members. These are men who meet specific qualifications for this office given in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. These men are also referred to as Pastors or Bishops in the language of the New Testament. There is simply no example of a one man “Pastor” system known to New Testament religion as is seen in denominationalism today. Nor is there authority to give exalting titles to leaders in the local churches whether it be the overseers or the preacher. That is why you will not read about “Reverend” so and so or “Father” so and so in faithful churches of Christ (Matthew 23:1-9; Psalms 111:9-10).
There are also deacons in each congregation. These must meet the biblical qualifications of 1 Timothy 3. Mere men cannot improve upon God’s pattern for local churches of Christ; any attempts to do so, is a departure from the faith and is a step into apostasy and loss of identity as belonging to Christ (2 John 9-10).
Worship in churches of Christ centers I five items, the same as in the first century church. We believe the pattern is important. Jesus said, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). From this statement we learn three things:
1). Our worship must be directed to the right object...the
one true God;
2). It must be prompted by the right spirit or attitude;
3). It must be according to truth.
To worship God according to truth is to worship him according to his Word, because his Word is truth (John 17:17). Therefore, we must not exclude any item found in his Word, and we must not include any item not found in his Word.
In matters of religion we are to walk by faith (2 Corinthians
5:7). Since faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17),
anything not authorized by the Bible cannot be done by faith...and whatever
is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23).
The five items of worship observed by the first-century church
were singing, praying, preaching, giving, and eating the Lord’s Supper.
If you are acquainted with churches of Christ you are probably aware that
in two of these items our practice is different from that of most religious
groups. So permit me to focus on these two, and state our reasons for what
we do.
One of the things people most frequently notice about faithful churches of Christ is that we sing without the use of mechanical instruments of music - a capella singing is the only music used in our worship.
Simply stated, here is the reason: we are seeking to worship according
to the instructions of the New Testament. The New Testament leaves instrumental
music out, therefore, we believe it right and safe to leave it out too.
If we used the mechanical instrument we would have to do so without New
Testament authority. The silence of the Scriptures must be respected just
as we must respect what they teach (1 Peter 4:11; Hebrews 7:14).
There are only 8 verses in the New Testament on the subject
of music in worship: Here they are:
“And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives”
(Matthew 26:30)
“...about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to
God...” (Acts 16:25)
“Therefore I will praise thee among the Gentiles, and sing to thy name”
(Romans 15:9)
“...I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also”
(1 Corinthians 14:15)
“...be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all
your heart” (Ephesians 5:18, 19)
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish
one another in al wisdom, and as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual
songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16)
“I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church
I will sing praise unto thee” (Hebrews 2:12)
“Is any one among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let
him sing praise” (James 5:13)
The mechanical instrument of music is conspicuously absent in these passages. Historically, the first appearance of instrumental music in church worship was not until the sixth century A.D., and there was no general practicing of it until after the eighth century.
Instrumental music was strongly opposed by such religious leaders as John Calvin, John Wesley and Charles Spurgeon because of its absence in the New Testament.
Another place where you may have noticed a difference between faithful churches of Christ and other religious groups is in the Lord’s Supper. This memorial supper was inaugurated by Jesus on the night of his betrayal (Matthew 26:26-28). It is observed by Christians in memory of the Lord’s death (1 Corinthians 11:24,25). The emblems the unleavened bread and fruit of the vine - symbolize the body and blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 10:16).
Churches of Christ are different from many in that we observe the Lord’s Supper on the first day of every week. Again, our reason centers in our determination to follow the teaching of the New Testament. It says, describing the practice of the first-century church, “And upon the first day of the week...the disciples came together to break bread...” (Acts 20:7).
Some have objected that the text does not specify the first day of every week. This is true-just as the command to observe the Sabbath did not specify every Sabbath. The command was simply, “remember the Sabbath...” The Jews knew this meant as often as the seventh day came along, and that was once each week. Its seems to us that by the same reasoning “the first day of the week” means the first day of every week. If one goes to work and is told, “payday is on Friday.” How often do you suppose that person expects a paycheck? Sure, he/she would be there each week to pick up his/her paycheck.
We also can know from such respected historians as Neander and Eusebius that Christians in those early centuries took the Lord’s Supper every Lord’s day. So, history as well as the Scriptures are clear on this matter (Acts 20:7). Why do you suppose so many aren’t honoring this information today? The reasons vary no doubt but as for us, we intend on following the Scriptures on this and every other matter taught therein.
Perhaps you are wondering, “How does one become a member of the church of Christ?” What are the terms of membership? Speaking in these terms, we are not talking about a local congregation, we are speaking of the universal body of the redeemed, the kingdom of Christ (Matthew 16:18,19; John 18:36; Colossians 1:13-14).
Faithful Christians do not speak of membership in terms of some formula which must be followed for approved acceptance into the church. The New Testament gives certain steps which were taken by people in that day to become Christians. When a person became a Christian he automatically was a member of the church. To say that one is going to “get saved” and then “join the church” is not biblical language! Since the true church is the “bride of Christ,” when one is in spiritual union with Christ by “obeying the gospel,” one is automatically a part of His bride don’t you see? One doesn’t get married and then go and find a bride! When one is married, one has a bride. See?
There is not separate set of rules or ceremonies which one must follow to be inducted into the church. When one becomes a Christian, he at the same time, becomes a member of the church. No further steps are required to qualify for church membership.
On the first day of the church’s existence those who repented and were baptized were saved and were added to the church (Acts 2:38,41, 47). According to this verse (Acts 2:47) it was God who did the adding. Therefore, in seeking to follow this pattern, we neither vote people into the church nor force them through a required series of studies. We have no right to demand anything beyond their obedient submission to the Savior. The conditions of pardon which are taught in the New Testament are:
1) One must hear the gospel, for “faith comes by hearing the word of God” ( Romans 10:8-17; John 6:44-45).
2) One must believe, for “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6; John 8:21-24).
3) One must repent of past sins, for God “commands all men, everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30; 2 Peter 3:9; Acts 17:30).
4) One must confess Jesus as Lord, for he said, “He that confesses me before men, him will I also confess before my father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32; Acts 8:37; Romans 10:9-10).
5) And one must be baptized for the remission of sins, for Peter
said, “Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus
Christ for the remission of your sins...” (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter
3:20-21; Romans 6:3-6; Galatians 3:26-29).
Members of churches of Christ have a reputation for placing much stress on the need for baptism. However, we do not emphasize baptism as a “church ordinance,” but as a command of Christ. The New Testament teaches baptism as an act which is essential to salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16). We do not emphasize baptism any more than we do Faith, Repentance, Confession of faith, The Blood of Christ or Grace, we emphasize them all for the Bible does the same. Perhaps we seem to emphasize baptism more than others because so many others minimize it and speak against it as a prerequisite to salvation whereas the Bible makes it clear that it is the final act of the “new birth” of the “water and Spirit” (John 3:3-5; Titus 3:5). Believers are to be baptized for the same reason that Jesus shed His blood, “for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28; Acts 2:38)! See? We do not practice infant baptism because New Testament baptism is only for sinners who turn to the Lord in belief and penitence. An infant has no sin to repent of, and cannot qualify as a believer. See (Matthew 18:1-4; 19:14; James 1:13-15).
The only “form of baptism” we practice in faithful churches of Christ is immersion. The Greek word from which the word baptize comes means “to dip, to immerse, to plunge.” And the Scriptures always point to baptism as a burial (Acts 8:35-39; Romans 6:3,4; Colossians 2:12). If in fact one hasn’t been immersed, then one has not been scripturally baptized. In reality no such things as “modes” or “forms” of baptism is spoken of in the Scriptures. Baptism is a verb denoting only the action of a burial or immersion.
Baptism is extremely important because the New Testament sets forth the following purposes for it:
1) It is to enter the kingdom (John 3:3-5)
2) It is to contact Christ’s blood (Romans 6:3,4)
3) It is to get into Christ (Galatians 3:26-29)
4) It is for salvation (Mark 16:15-16; 1 Peter 3:20-21)
5) It is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)
6) It is to wash away sins (Acts 22:16)
7) It is to get into the church (1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians
1:23)
Since Christ died for the sins of the whole world and the invitation to share in his saving grace is open to everyone (Acts 10:34,35; Revelation 22:17), we do not believe that anyone is predestined for salvation or condemnation. Some will choose to come to Christ in faith and obedience and will be saved. Others will reject his plea and be condemned (Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:45-49). These will be not be lost because they were marked for condemnation, but because that’s the path they chose.
Whenever you are at this moment, we hope you will decide to accept the salvation offered by Christ-Look up a member of a faithful local church of Christ and let him assist you in “obeying the gospel” 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10, accepting for yourself by this obedient faith membership in Christ’s new testament church (Acts 2:22-38, 40-41,47; Colossians 1:13-14). The Bible only still makes Christians only, and every faithful Christian will “join himself” to a faithful local congregation and there work- ing and worshipping under the oversight of her elders, live and die “in hope of eternal life which God who cannot lie promised before the word began” (Titus 1:1-2; Hebrews 13:7,17).
You see, after having “obeyed the gospel,” 1 Peter 1:22-25;
Romans 1:16-17, you must then find a faithful local congregation of
Christ’s people who have all of the distinguishing characteristics of what
a local new testament congregation should be as described in this
brief study taken from the New Testament. You may do this by being as the
noble Bereans of Acts 17:11, “search the Scriptures daily whether these
things are so.”
Written by Kenneth E. Thomas. I got some ideas and statistics
from other sources as indicated above. Some "liberal" churches
who call themselves "churches of Christ" will not agree with what
I have written here. Each reader is urged to study these things with your
New Testament in hand, I am confident that you will come to the same conclusions
many years of study and research have led me to, many of which are embodied
in this article for your consideration. (See John 17:17,20-21; 1 Corinthians
1:10-12; Ephesians 4:1-6; 2 Timothy 4:1-8; ACts 3:22-23; Revelation 22:18-19.