Bible
The Bible is viewed as God’s revealed word and is authoritative for us. Members are encouraged, through prayer and study, to develop their own positions on the issues. Beliefs within the church vary on the inerrancy of Scripture. The church has people who are conservative and fundamentalist while others are liberal. Members are allowed freedom of opinion on matters of faith and are expected to allow others this same freedom.
Jesus Christ
Belief in Jesus Christ as Savior is the only requirement for salvation.
Ecumenism
We reach out and strive to work with other Christian denominations. We belong to the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches. Issues of social justice are a priority.
Baptism
Baptism is viewed as symbolic of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It represents a cleansing of sin, new birth, and new life as part of the faith community.
Communion
We practice open communion. All believers in Christ, regardless of church affiliation, are welcome to receive the bread and wine. There, the living Christ is met and we celebrate the Lord’s Supper each Sunday, as the central part of our worship.
The Priesthood of All Believers
All members, as part of the body of Christ, have a ministry as they live out their faith, both within and outside of the church. The denomination has ordained clergy and lay people also play important roles in the church. We ordain women, who also serve as elders and deacons.
Sacraments
Baptism
We practice believer’s baptism as people are mature enough to understand the meaning of this sacrament. Baptism is by immersion, however, we accept members from other denominations by a simple transfer of faith, without having to be baptized again.
Lord’s Supper
Once again, all believers in Christ are invited to participate in this sacrament. It is viewed as the central and most important part of the worship experience.
The Chalice
The Chalice is the emblem of The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It points to the centrality of the Lord’s Supper in the life and worship of the Disciples who celebrate communion each Sunday. The Cross of St. Andrew focuses attention on the Presbyterian roots of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). A tipped chalice communicates the dynamic out-pouring, self-giving nature of the church.