What is different about the churches of Christ? Churches of Christ are undenominational. This can be confusing to many people who are accustomed to “non-denominational churches” which are normally more “all-denominational” than undenominational. The word “denomination” means to “name” something—but it is defined by Webster as a “sect” which means that it is a “segment” of the New Testament church. Denominations are self-admittedly only a “part” of the one church of the Bible. But that is not the model one reads in the Bible. What is needed is undenominational and anti-denominational—in the sense that we need to be only New Testament Christians. This is what we seek to be and call all who follow Christ to be only Christians, assembling together in an undenominational fashion.
How are churches of Christ governed? Every fully-developed church in apostolic time is self-governing, answering to no authoritative board above them. They were instead guided by the New Testament itself. In each New Testament congregation there was a plurality of elders appointed, assisted by deacons (Phil. 1:1). These were shepherds of the church (Acts 20:17-28) who were to be watchful for the teaching. The qualifications for this office are listed in 1 Tim. 3 as well as in Titus 1. The passage of Acts 20:17-28 also shows that the terms “elders” and “bishops” [pastors] are used synonymously. This means also that we reject the common Protestant denominational practice of a one-man “pastor” system as well as the huge hierarchy of offices inserted by the Roman Catholic Church.
Is Baptism Essential to Salvation? Peter the apostle answers this question sufficiently. ‘The like figure whereunto baptism does also now save us; not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God” (1 Pet. 3:21). The same apostle instructed listeners on the day of Pentecost, who already expressed their belief in what he had preached by asking ‘What shall we do?’, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins, …” (Acts 2:38). This answer is very clear.
Why do the churches of Christ partake of the Lord’s Supper every week? This was the practice of the New Testament Christians who gathered upon the “first day of the week” in order to “break bread.” Breaking bread is used in this context to refer to the elements of the Lord’s Supper.
Why do women not have leadership roles in the churches of Christ? According to the New Testament, each congregation was to be guided and assisted by elders or pastors. These were always, without exception, taken from among men. In 1 Timothy 3:2 the pastor must be “the husband of one wife.” Not only so, but public services are led by men only in Bible times. Women are required “not to teach” [publicly] nor to have “dominion” [authority] over the man (1 Tim. 2:8-15). This was not because the first century cultural practice dictated it, but inspired by the Spirit, Paul explains it as being rooted in the sober facts of history—the creation and fall of man. “For Adam was first formed, then Eve.” And, “Adam was not beguiled, but the woman being beguiled, has fallen into transgression.” Women are honored but the role God has chosen for her is not leadership in the church or in public worship.
Why do churches of Christ not use instrumental music in worship? This is the first thing that visitors notice about our worship—there are no man-made instruments of music in worship. Singing is Acapella style. The New Testament authorizes SINGING in corporate worship (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16) and in no occurrence in the New Testament is instrumental music utilized. Instrumental music in worship to God lacks any authority in the New Testament. As a matter of fact, no church even used instrumental music in worship until centuries after the first and it was introduced by the Roman Catholic Church. ACAPELLA SINGING is that only which is known in the days of the apostles.
Where Does the Money in the Offering Go? There are 3 works that are authorized for the church on the pages of the Bible. One, teaching or missionary work, either at home or abroad. We support not only the preaching of the gospel here in the pulpit, but also Missionary work, such as in South Africa, where Rohan Jones and family are supported by us. Two, works of edification, or teaching. To edify means to “build up.” This means spiritually building our families and individuals by feasting upon the Word of God. People do not grow spiritually by simply being excited, but by a continual consuming of the Word of God. Three, works of benevolence, or caring for the needy. We support widows and orphans (James 1:27) by giving to orphan homes and assisting the needy in our community. The only money that does not go directly to these items is used to pay for essential expedients such as costs of utilities for the building, and office goods.