History of The Christian Church

The Church began on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem around the year A.D. 30 (Acts 2). The church was established by Christ and is based upon the fact that He is the Son of God (Matthew 16:16-18). He is the Church's only Head and final Authority (Ephesians 5:23).

Although Jesus desired unity in the Church (John 17:20-21), over years several hundred denominations have been created as the result of social, theological, traditional and personal differences. This is, of course, most unfortunate. However, during the 19th century, several men decided to put aside all denominational creeds, names and differences and to unite upon the basis of the New Testament.

This movement became known as the Restoration Movement because it represents an attempt to restore the first century Church in all essential matters as revealed in the New Testament. The Christian Church is a part of this movement.

Our plea is for "all Christians to unite on the basis of the New Testament, to restore the New Testament Church, and to take the Gospel into all the World."

The Restoration Movement has some noteworthy statements that describe our goal: "Where the Bible speaks, we speak; where the Bible is silent, we are silent." - "in essentials, unity; in opinions, liberty; in all things, love" - "No book but the Bible, no creed but Christ, no name but Christian."

It is our belief that the New testament is our only rule of faith and that man does not have the right to make creeds that overrule God's Word.

It should be noted that no one "Joins" the Church, but when you become a Christian, God adds you to the Church (Acts 2:47). Christians throughout the world belong to Christ's one Church.

Government of The Christian Church

It is very important to realize that the Christian Church/Church of Christ is not a denomination. That is, there is neither an individual nor a group (other than Christ Himself) outside of the local congregation that exercises authority over any congregation. Each Church is completely independent of all other churches.

There is no Biblical authority for such a denominational structure ruling over the Church that belongs to Christ. Each congregation will be under the oversight of men known as Elders, Bishops, Pastors, or Shepherds. These are all the names for the same office. Any man who meets the qualifications found in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1 and desires the position may become an Elder of the congregation where he attends. He has no authority over any other congregation.

Each congregation will be served by men known as Deacons. Any man who meets the qualifications found in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1 and desires the position may become a Deacon.

The Minister, Evangelist, or Preacher's role is primarily that of a proclaimer of the Gospel to the lost, and exhorter and teacher Christians the Word (II Timothy 4:2).

Every Christian is expected to serve in whatever area he or she has been gifted in by the Lord (Romans 12:3-8).

The Doctrine of the Christian Church

The Christian Church is quite conservative regarding teachings of the Bible, or Church doctrine. While we allow for individual opinions on many subjects, we believe that certain doctrines are essential both to becoming and to remaining a Christian. Therefore, we insist that anyone teaching or preaching in the Church be consistent with the Biblical truth on these matters. These doctrines include, but are not limited to the following:

  • The Bible as the complete, infallible, and inspired Word of God (II Timothy 3:16).

  • God, our loving, just Father, is the supreme Ruler of all the Universe for all eternity (Genesis 1:1).

  • Jesus is the Christ (Matthew 16:16), the Incarnate Son of God (John 1:14), born of a virgin (Matthew 1:25), lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15), died on the cross and received God's punishment for the sins of mankind (I Peter 2:24). He was buried and rose from the dead on the third day both physically and spiritually (I Corinthians 15:3-4). Christ is now in Heaven with His Father, but He will return to gather the true Church into eternal life in Heaven (John 14:2-3) and send the wicked to eternal punishment in Hell (Matthew 25:46).

  • God's plan for our salvation is to: a. Believe that Jesus Christ is God's Son (Mark 16:16); b. Repent, or turn away from, our sins (Acts 2:38); c. Confess Christ's Name (Romans 10:9-10); d. Be Baptized into Christ by immersion (Acts 2:38); and e. Be Faithful to Him throughout your life (Revelation 2:10).

  • The Holy Spirit will regenerate any person who obeys this plan of salvation (John 3:5) and will in-dwell in that person (John 14:16). Since we believe in the complete truth of these key doctrines, we are uncompromising on them as being God's revealed truth to His people (Galatians 1:8).

The Responsibilities of Each Person in the Christian Church

While you will have many privileges as a Christian and as a member of the Christian Church of Christ, you also have many responsibilities. You will be expected to be regular in your attendance for worship services and other Church functions unless you must unavoidably be absent (Hebrews 10:25).

You should give to the Lord's work a regular portion of your income in a willing and cheerful attitude (II Corinthians 9:6-7). We encourage you to use your God-given talents and abilities in Christ's service (Romans 12:1f). Daily Bible study and prayer are imperative for a growing Christian (II Timothy 2:15; I Thessalonians 5:17). But perhaps the most important aspect of your Christian life is witnessing: telling others of salvation through Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). Always be alert for opportunities to share the Good News (I Peter 3:15). You will find that the Lord will keep His promises to you when you maintain your responsibilities to Him. (Hebrews 10:23).