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By Rick Spleth, Regional Minister
How do you describe our church to
others? As members of the Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ) we do
not have the "brand name"
recognition of some other
denominations, and to some degree
that is good. We never set out to be
a denomination in the first place,
but rather to be a movement to
foster the unity of the church for
the sake of Christ's mission.
Nevertheless, we evolved into a
distinct group within the universal
church and as such have a particular
identity and culture.
How do you explain this in your evangelistic
outreach? Here is a list of ten attributes
that identify and clarify the combination of
things that are unique to the Disciples.
Note that I said combination. There is no
single thing true about our church that is
not also true of others. We practice a form
of Christianity that is linked with the
practices of other fellowships of
Christians, but the combination is a
distinctive one, and a healthy one too, I
believe. The things that together identify
the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
include these:
The weekly observance of the Lord's
Supper
Disciples' life is centered at the table.
Through communion we are connected to one
another and to God through our Lord Jesus
Christ.
Believer's baptism by immersion
Following the earliest tradition of the
church, we demonstrate our commitment to God
by dramatic action, letting the waters of
our baptism give witness to God's grace upon
us.
Open membership
Recognizing that the traditions of the whole
church are many and varied, we do not insist
that our baptismal practice is the only one
that is valid. We know that baptism is God's
action far more than our own.
An attitude of tolerance and a
rejection of creeds as tests of faith
We celebrate diversity as strength rather
than weakness, and do not expect everyone's
interpretation of the Bible or the Christian
life to be identical.
The importance of scripture
We believe that the Bible is the inspired
word of God and is best heard and understood
within the community of faith with the
diverse insight that context provides.
Congregational yet voluntarily
connectional
We give the local congregation authority
over their life and ministries, and yet
share resources freely with a connected
church, our denomination, knowing that the
mission of the church is not just local.
The inclusion of the leadership of
women
We believe that God provides spiritual gifts
to all and do not restrict any office or
role in the life of the church by gender.
An emphasis on lay leadership
Aside from performing weddings which is
regulated by the state, lay persons in our
church are permitted and encouraged to do
all things, including presiding and offering
the Eucharistic prayers at the Lord's Table,
often restricted to ordained clergy in other
denominations.
An educated clergy
We set educational and professional
standards for ministers-licensed and
ordained, and hold our clergy to ethical
accountability through denominational
oversight.
A priority on ecumenical life
Disciples earnestly pray and strive for the
unity of the church and attempt to work in
ways that bridge the separation of Christ's
body.
It would be difficult to find this
combination of characteristics anywhere but
within the Disciples. I hope these ten
attributes are valued by you, and that you,
too, will use them as you attempt to
describe our church to others, inviting them
to join us in serving Christ.
Richard L. Spleth, Regional Minister,
Christian Church in Indiana
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©2006 Christian Church in Indiana |
