What is the Church of Christ and what do they believe?

Across the American religious landscape, the name “Church of Christ” appears on thousands of signs — often accompanied by a distinctive phrase: “We speak where the Bible speaks, and are silent where the Bible is silent.” This motto captures the spirit of a movement that seeks not to reform Christianity, but to restore it.

But what exactly is the Church of Christ? Are they a denomination, or do they reject denominationalism altogether? Are they simply conservative Christians, or do they differ significantly in doctrine and practice?

To answer these questions, we need to examine the roots, teachings, and theological assumptions of the Churches of Christ. And in doing so, we must ask: Does their pursuit of the “original church” bring them closer to the truth — or does it risk oversimplifying centuries of Christian history?

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📜 The Historical Roots of the Church of Christ

The Restoration Movement (Early 1800s)

The Church of Christ arose out of the Restoration Movement in the early 19th century, primarily in the United States. This movement was not about reforming the existing churches (like the Protestant Reformation) but rather about restoring the New Testament church as it supposedly existed in the first century.

Key leaders included:

• Alexander Campbell (1788–1866) and Thomas Campbell (his father)
• Barton W. Stone (1772–1844)

These men, disillusioned with denominational divisions and creeds, emphasized the need to return to the Bible alone for church structure, worship, and doctrine. They were particularly troubled by what they saw as human traditions and sectarianism that fractured the body of Christ.

The movement eventually splintered into three major groups:

• Churches of Christ (non-instrumental)
• Christian Churches / Churches of Christ (instrumental)
• Disciples of Christ (more progressive/mainline)

The Churches of Christ, the focus of this article, represent the most conservative branch, often rejecting instrumental music in worship and emphasizing strict adherence to New Testament patterns.

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🧭 What Do the Churches of Christ Believe?

While local congregations are autonomous, most Churches of Christ share a core set of beliefs rooted in biblical literalism, congregational autonomy, and restorationist theology. Here’s a breakdown of their major distinctives.

1. Biblical Authority and Sola Scriptura

Churches of Christ hold firmly to the belief that the New Testament alone contains the pattern for the church’s faith and practice. This often means:

• No creeds (such as the Nicene Creed): “No creed but Christ.”
• Silence of Scripture = prohibition: If the New Testament doesn’t authorize a practice, they believe it should be avoided.
• Heavy reliance on proof-texting to establish doctrinal conclusions.

2. Baptism by Immersion for the Forgiveness of Sins

One of the most defining doctrines is their view on baptism:

• Baptism is absolutely essential for salvation.
• It must be by immersion.
• It is considered the moment one receives forgiveness and the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38 is often cited).

This differs from many evangelical groups, which see baptism as symbolic or subsequent to salvation.

3. A Cappella Worship Only

Most Churches of Christ do not use musical instruments in worship. Why?

• They argue the New Testament never mentions instruments in Christian worship.
• Since the early church sang without instruments, this is seen as the biblical pattern to follow.

This stance has historically created a sharp line of division, even among Restorationist groups.

4. Weekly Lord’s Supper (Communion)

They observe the Lord’s Supper every Sunday, based on their reading of Acts 20:7.

• It is central to the worship gathering.
• Unleavened bread and fruit of the vine are used.

5. Congregational Autonomy

Each Church of Christ congregation is independent, with no denominational headquarters or overarching human organization.

• Leadership typically includes elders (overseers) and deacons, drawn from among the men.
• There is no official clergy system. Many congregations reject the term “pastor” as used in broader evangelical contexts.

6. Evangelism and Debate Culture

Historically, the Churches of Christ have been known for:

• Door-to-door evangelism and personal Bible studies.
• Public debates with Baptists, Catholics, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others.
• A strong emphasis on being the “one true church”, which some critics view as exclusivist.

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📖 Spiritual and Doctrinal Discernment

What Truths Were Preserved?

1. Emphasis on Scripture: The deep respect for the authority of Scripture is commendable. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, testing teachings by the Word of God is a necessary safeguard.
2. Baptism’s Importance: While some evangelicals minimize baptism, the New Testament clearly gives it weight. Romans 6, Acts 2:38, and 1 Peter 3:21 all tie baptism to salvation and spiritual renewal — even if interpretations vary.
3. Simplicity in Worship: Their model of simple, participatory, scripture-focused worship mirrors aspects of early Christian gatherings (1 Cor. 14:26).
4. Avoiding Human Traditions: Their desire to shed non-biblical traditions reminds us of Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees for elevating human tradition over God’s Word (Mark 7:8).

What Errors or Excesses Have Emerged?

1. Legalism and Patternism: The insistence on exact “patterns” can lead to legalism — where grace is obscured by rigid forms. Paul warned against this kind of rule-bound religiosity in Galatians 3:3.
2. Baptism as a Work? Some interpretations make baptism seem like a meritorious act that “earns” salvation. But Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us salvation is by grace through faith — not by works.
3. Exclusivism: The belief that only members of Churches of Christ are saved has led to sectarianism and division. While doctrinal clarity matters, Jesus’ prayer in John 17 was for unity among believers, not fragmentation over every detail.
4. Silence of Scripture Misapplied: The idea that what the Bible doesn’t mention is forbidden (rather than simply optional) can result in unwarranted prohibitions, such as the banning of instrumental music, despite Psalm 150 and other precedents for joyful worship.

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🔄 Lasting Impact: How It Shaped the Church Today

The Churches of Christ have had a significant, though often under-the-radar, impact on American Christianity:

• Restorationist Influence: Their plea to go “back to the Bible” helped shape the Bible college movement and many non-denominational churches.
• Evangelistic Zeal: Their focus on personal Bible studies has led to the conversion of thousands, particularly in rural and Southern communities.
• Scriptural Engagement: They’ve cultivated generations of believers deeply familiar with Scripture, often memorizing large portions of the Bible.
• Division over Forms: Unfortunately, their rigid stances on issues like music or church support of orphanages have fractured congregations, sometimes even within the movement itself.

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🪞 Reflection: What Should We Learn or Repent Of?

The Churches of Christ challenge all believers to take Scripture seriously — not just in belief, but in practice. Yet they also serve as a cautionary tale about reducing faith to formulas and forms, rather than the transforming grace of Christ.

We must ask ourselves:

• Are we holding to truth while walking in love?
• Do we divide too easily over non-essential matters?
• Are we trusting more in our precision than in God’s mercy?

The call to restore biblical Christianity is noble — but without humility, grace, and Spirit-led discernment, it can become a new kind of Phariseeism.

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📣 Why This Still Matters: Walking Forward in Truth

The Church of Christ represents both a passionate return to biblical fidelity and a caution against the dangers of hyper-restorationism. Their deep love for Scripture and strong sense of conviction offer much to admire. But their tendency toward exclusivity and legalistic interpretations remind us that truth and grace must walk hand in hand.

As we strive to follow Christ today, let’s take seriously the plea of the Restoration Movement — to be Christians only, not the only Christians.

May we be a people anchored in God’s Word, united in the gospel, and overflowing with the love of Jesus — even when we disagree.