First Christian Church is part of the Disciples of Christ. The Christian Church also known as the Disciples of Christ is a Protestant Christian denomination. The Disciples of Christ identity statement says, "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" (from www.disciples.org).
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Distinctions:
Disciples of Christ Mini History:
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Distinctions:
- The Lord's Supper (Communion) is celebrated each Sunday
- The Lord's Supper is open to everyone
- Baptism is by immersion and a public witness of salvation
- Freedom and diversity in worship, service, and fellowship
- Rebirth of the values found in The New Testament accounts of the early church
Disciples of Christ Mini History:
- 1804: Presbyterian minister Barton W. Stone and several followers broke their denominational ties to enter into unity with "the body of Christ at large." They called themselves, simply, "Christians."
- 1811: In Washington, Pennsylvania a group led by Presbyterian minister Thomas Campbell and his son, Alexander, began meeting independently, saying the church of Jesus Christ was one and open to all.
- 1820: Alexander Campbell Began public debates which, along with his writings, propelled him into leadership of the "Disciples of Christ."
- 1832: The "Christians" and the "Disciples of Christ" joined together with a formal handshake on New Year's Day. Forming the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
- 1840: Alexander Campbell started Bethany College in West Virginia.
- 1849: The first national convention was held in Cincinnati and resulted in the creation of the American Christian Missionary Society.