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What We Believe
Churches of Christ*
Common foundation of beliefs and practices.... |
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Baptism - Communion - Heritage - Ministry & Mission - Theology - Worship |
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In Churches of Christ*, as in most Christian churches, baptism is an important part of becoming an obedient Christian and a member of the church. Only those who declare their faith in Jesus Christ are baptised. The method of Baptism is by full immersion in water.
Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17) and so identified himself with people. Jesus asked His followers to make all people his disciples, to baptise them, and to teach them (Matthew 28:16-20).
In the story of the early Christian church, baptism went hand in hand with commitment to Jesus Christ. Thousands who believed in Jesus on the day of Pentecost were baptised (Acts 2:41). Baptism was the natural result of commitment to Jesus for an Ethiopian court official (Acts 18:26-40), a Philippian jailer (Acts 16:16-34), a Philippian business-woman (Acts 16:11-15) and many others.
Baptism in one form or another, has been a vital part of the Christian Church for almost 2,000 years.
From the start, the Christian church baptised people by total immersion. This retains the symbolism of death, burial and resurrection. In earlier times, baptism was performed in a river or a pool. Later the practice changed in some churches to sprinkling, or pouring of water, as a concession to colder climates, or because of a shortage of water. However, Churches of Christ firmly believe the symbolism of death, burial and resurrection is best represented by the practice of total immersion, and that this is clearly indicated in the Bible.
Today, baptism is mostly performed in warm water in baptisteries that are part of church buildings, though it can be in a river, the sea or a swimming pool. The act is very moving. The experience of baptism is happy and exciting. Rising from the water, having fulfilled the command of Jesus, the person enters a new phase of their life as a child of God in open witness of their inner faith, to the own family and friends, the local church and the wider community (1 Corinthians 12:12-13).
In Churches of Christ, baptism follows a declaration of faith in Jesus. This was also the practice of the early church. Baptism always followed belief and repentance (turning to God). This assumes that the person is mature enough to understand and respond. The decision is a personal choice and a statement of personal commitment. Baptism does not save a person, a changed heart through believing faith in Jesus as indicated in Scripture saves.
Churches of Christ do not practice infant baptism. This does not mean, however, that children are not considered as part of the community of faith. The Church has always shown its concern for the nurture of children. Many Churches of Christ conduct services of thanksgiving and dedication, in which parents commit themselves to raise their children in a Christian environment and to introduce them to God in appropriate ways. At the same time, the community of faith gives thanks for the family and commits itself to their care and spiritual nurture.
Churches of Christ certainly do not believe that they are the only Christians or that their practice of baptism is the only baptism. All baptised Christians are warmly welcomed into the fellowship of Churches of Christ and invited to exercise their gifts and abilities within the life of the church.
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Churches of Christ emphasise that communion is the central act of worship. The people who have gathered for worship eat bread and drink from the cup. As they do so, they remember that these elements represent the body and blood of Jesus and that they are part of the church, which is Christ's body today. Therefore sharing in communion is not done lightly or thoughtlessly.
While the elements (bread and wine) are being served, Christians reflect on Jesus, his death and his great love, on the words of the Bible that may have been read, on the words of a piece of music that has been sung or played or on the ways in which God shares our lives.
The communion may be led by any person who is in good standing in the congregation. Churches of Christ practise 'Open Communion'. That is, any person who wishes to respond to the love of God is welcome to participate.
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As Churches of Christ we do not claim to be the "best" church or the only church. All who accept Jesus as Saviour and Lord are Christians. We co-operate with other Christians in worship, witness and service. We promote the unity of all God's people. We are committed to the ultimate goal of unity among all true bible-believing Christians. Our passion for unity comes from our history.
In the 18th Century the influences of history and culture had affected the church and there were many divisions which lead to the different denominations. Consequently in the 19th century our churches looked for ways to bring unity among Christians. The Churches of Christ had a prayer and a vision that people would put aside differences and obstacles to unite, so that a process of reform could begin. This desire for unity of the wider church would be based on the New Testament principles and the authority of the Bible alone.
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In Churches of Christ all are encouraged to take part in the life and work of the church. This mutual expression of ministry recognises that each member has gifts and abilities to help in ministry and mission.
Each local Church of Christ is autonomous. Together they comprise the state and national networks of Churches of Christ.
Through ministry and mission, Churches of Christ respond to human need. People explore and develop faith and spirituality as it relates to the here and now. We are not only concerned that people should find a vital faith in God, our concern is also to respond with compassion to human need, both local and international.
In the local church we show compassion through pastoral care activities. In this way support, encouragement and healing are part of our ministry and mission. As part of our commitment to the message of the Bible, we also apply our ministry to social justice, and care of our environment.
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The beliefs and teachings of the Churches of Christ are based on the Bible alone. We concentrate on the essential aspects of the Christian faith, allowing for a diversity of understanding in the non-essentials, while holding closely the clear basic teachings that are non-negotiable as given to the church in Scripture.
We are careful not to reduce the Bible to statements that include some people and exclude others. Instead our enthusiasm majors on the essential message of the love and grace of God. Our main theme is that Jesus is the risen Son of God and Saviour of humanity, and the Creator of all things as described in the book of Genesis and elsewhere in the Bible. We encourage people to respond to Jesus by making an intelligent and meaningful commitment to him, and to observe his teaching.
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Churches of Christ recognise that worship is a central part of Christian life. It is the act of acknowledging the love and grace of God, gaining a sense of awe and wonder in the light of His great love, giving expression to ones gratitude and laying oneself to the influence of God's Holy Spirit.
Our worship services are informal and friendly and all are welcome to participate. The form of our services is easy to follow with preaching from the Bible that is interesting and related to life. We seek to facilitate worship that is positive, refreshing, renewing, alive, simple and uncluttered.
Music, prayer, scripture and teaching are usually a part of worship services, with Communion being the central element. Worshippers should leave feeling refreshed, closer to God and encouraged for life. You will find a variety of types of worship in Churches of Christ, from traditional to contemporary.
Children are encouraged to participate in worship, and children's segments help them to express themselves in worship and to develop in faith. Special 'Children's Church' activities run simultaneously with the adult worship time in most Churches of Christ.
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Copied from the Churches of Christ South Australia & Northern Territory website with thanks.
* Some points have been expanded a little to reflect our witness at Rivervale Church of Christ.
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