Former General Minister and President, Dr. Kenneth Teegarden, once stated, "The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a community of believers who through baptism into Jesus Christ are bound by covenant to God and one another. Disciples draw our inspiration from Scripture and the Holy Spirit, celebrating around the Lord's Table the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of Christ. We proclaim the Good News of salvation and claim as our particular mission the quest for Christian unity. While stressing freedom and diversity under God, we believe unity and mission are inseparable and witness and serve among the whole human family in the interest of peace, justice, mercy, and kindness."
Our movement within the church universal began on the American frontier in the early 1800's. We are grateful to the inspiration and leadership of such pioneers as Thomas and Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone. Disillusioned with the authoritarian approach of the European church, original "Disciples" broke away from Presbyterain, Baptist, Anglican, and other backgrounds with a desire to do away with divisive creeds and practices. Their plea was the unity of all Christians on the basis of no creeds but Christ, and no book but the Bible. In the essentials of our faith, untiy; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.
Commitment to Christ as Lord and Savior is the only requirement for becoming a member of a Disciples congregation.
Although we look to the Bible as our guide, we approach it with reason and common sense. Members are allowed to hold different views on specific doctrines. Doubts and questions are respected.
We believe in the ministry of all believers. You will see men, women, and youth serving in all phases of church life and mission.
We choose to baptize by immersion but we also accept and consider as valid those who have been baptized by other modes.
The Lord's Supper is celebrated every Sunday. All who desire to approach Christ in faith are invited. One does not have to be a member to particpate.
We seek to cooperate with other faith communities in the community and around the world.
We do not consider ourselves to be the only Christians, but rather strive to be Christians only.
You may not be familiar with our name, but this could very well be the church you've always been looking for. We invite you to Discover the Disciples.
