Our Story - Churches of Christ |  10 Characteristics of Churches of Christ |  National Fellowship | 

10 Characteristics of Churches of Christ

"In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, and in all things love."

---

Below are listed the 10 main characteristics of our churches.

1. Commitment to Christian Unity

We are commtted to the idea that the body of Christ (i.e. the church) is one. God did not ordain the church to be split into different denominations, but call us all to work together. The Churches of Christ arose at a time when denominationalism threatened to undermine the church as a whole. Consequently, we will work with any other Christian Denomination who share our general views as expressed below. We may disagree on certain points, but as long as these are not fundamental issues of belief, they are not essential. 

2. Commitment to Evangelism and Mission

We are commited to spreading the Good news we have by sharing our lives with others. Mark 16:15-16 "He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."

3. New Testament emphasis

Whilst obviously, both parts of the Bible are of vital importance, we place an emphasis on the New Testament as it gives us not only the life of Christ to follow, but also teaching on how to live our lives as followers of Jesus, and how to organise and run the church.

4. Simple Confession of Faith

There are many long and complicated confessions of faith. Whilst we do not necessarily disagree with any of them, we stick to a simple one (Matthew 16:16). Jesus asked the question "Who do you say I am?" To which Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

5. Believer's Baptism

We believe, the a person must make a commitment to Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour to be baptised. We follow the Biblical pattern of baptism by immersion where the person is litterally "immersed" under the water rather than sprinkled or having water poured over them. (We will do this under very special circumstances if the person cannot go under the water for medical reasons). For more information on Believer's Baptism

We do not practice infant baptism, but have services of infant dedication where the parents or guardians of the infant promise to bring up the child in the knowledge of the faith.

6. Weekly Communion

Communion is a central part of our service. Some Christians believe communion is so important, that they can only have it once a year. We believe it to be so important, that we have it every week!

7. Biblical Name

We prefer to be known simple as Christians. "Christians only, but not the only Christians."

8. Congregational Authority

Whilst we have a national body (The Fellowship of Churcehs of Christ of Great Britain and ireland), it does not create policy for the congregations in the way the Church of England Synod does, it merely acts to facilitate dialogue, fellowship and mutual support and help produce those things that are beyond the ability or resources of the local church (e.g. national guidelines on aspects of law etc.). The congregations decide on their own running and day to day affairs.

Ministers are ordained and recognised at the national.

9. Lay Leadership

We believe in the "priesthood of all believers" and mutual ministry. Whilst we have ordained ministers, the work of the church is shared out to people who have the gift and calling from God to carryout the work.

10. Diversity

"In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, and in all things love."