ABOUT OUR DENOMINATION
We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord's Table as God has welcomed us.
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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.
What do Disciples believe?
Like most Christians, Disciples affirm:
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Jesus Christ is the son of the Living God and offers saving grace to all.
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All people are God's children.
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Beliefs and practices usually associated with Disciples include:
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Open Communion. The Lord's Supper, or Communion, is celebrated in weekly worship. It is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
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Freedom of Belief. Disciples are called together around belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Persons are free to follow their consciences guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study and prayer, and are expected to extend that freedom to others. We hold the centrality of the scripture, recognizing that each person has the freedom - and the responsibility - to study God's Word within the community of the church.
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Baptism by immersion. In baptism the old self-centered life is set aside, and a new life of trust in God begins. Although Disciples practice baptism by immersion, other baptism traditions are honored.
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Belief in the oneness of the church. All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to find ways to work together in showing God's love through witness and service. We hear a special calling to make visible the unity of all Christians. In our diversity we belong to one another because we commonly belong to Christ.
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The ministry of all believers. Both ministers and lay persons lead in worship, service and spiritual growth. We affirm the priesthood of all believers, rejoicing in the gifts of the Holy Spirit - which include the gift of leadership - that God has given for the common good.
Our Vision
True Community
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, they also reach 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.
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Deep Christian Spirituality
Disciples encourage one another in the spiritual disciplines - practices through which we open ourselves to being shaped by God. Those diciplines include prayer, Bible study, worship, stewardship, service, study of hte church's tradition and hospitality to strangers. Disciple congregations meet weekly to worship God and celebrate the Lord's Supper.
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A Passion for Justice
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 a pro-reconciling, anti-racist 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.
The Table is Open
The table is open. That means all are invited to respond to Christ's invitation to draw closer to God around the communion table no matter where you come from, what you've done or who you are. All are welcome. For Disciples, the open table is a powerful symbol of our deep commitment to Christian unity. The open table honors diversity even as it celebrates unity in Christ.
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Disciples congregations celebrate the Lord's Supper every Sunday. The table is not only at the center of worship in our congregations, it is at the center of who we are as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
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We don't stay at the table. We move out into the world to fulfill our mission, to be and share the Good News of Jesus Christ, witnessing, loving, and serving from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
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We believe that God is calling the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to be a faithful, growing church that demonstrates true community, deep Christian spirituality and a passion for justice. (Micah 6:8)