Are the churches of Christ organizationally connected?

Following the plan of organization found in the New Testament, churches of Christ are autonomous.  Their common faith in the Bible and adherence to its teachings are the chief ties which bind them together.  There is no central headquarters of the church and no organization superior to the elders of each local congregation.  Congregations do cooperate voluntarily in supporting the orphans and the aged, in preaching the gospel in new fields, and in other similar works.

How are the churches of Christ governed?

In each congregation, which as existed long enough to become fully organized, there is a plurality of elders or presbyters who serve as the governing body.  These men are selected by the local congregations on the basis of qualifications set down in the scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-8). Serving under the elders are deacons, teachers, and evangelists or ministers.  The latter do not have the authority equal to or superior to the elders.  The elders are shepherds or overseers who serve under the headship of Christ according to the New Testament, which is a kind of constitution.  There is no earthly authority superior to the elders of the local church.

What does the church of Christ believe about the Bible?

The original autographs of the sixty six books which make up the Bible are considered to have been divinely inspired, by which it is meant that they are infallible and authoritative.  Reference to the scriptures is made in settling every religious question.  A pronouncement from the scripture is considered the final word.  The basic textbook of the church and the basis for all preaching is the Bible.

Are prayers addressed to the saints?

No.  God the Father is considered the only one to whom the prayers may be addressed.  It is further understood that Christ stands in a mediatory position between God and man (Hebrews 7:25)   All prayers are therefore offered through Christ, or in the name of Christ (John 16:23-26).

How often is the Lord’s supper eaten?

It is expected that every member of the church will assemble for worship on each Lord’s day.  A central part of the worship is the eating of the Lord’s supper. (Acts20:7)   Unless providentially hindered, each member considers this weekly appointment as binding.  In many instances, as in the case of illness, the Lord’s supper is carried to those who are hindered from attending the worship.

What kind of music is used in the worship?

As a result of the distinctive plea of the church – a return to New Testament Faith and practice – a cappella singing is the only music used in the worship.  This singing, unaccompanied by mechanical instruments of music, conforms to the music used in the apostolic church and for several centuries thereafter (Ephesians 5:19) .  It is felt that there is no authority for engaging in acts of worship not found in the New Testament.  Even in Judaism the instrument was not used in any singing in the temple on the Sabbath until 1935 in Hamburg Germany.

By what means does the church secure financial support?

Each first day of the week the members of the church “lay by in store as they have been prospered  (1Corinthians 16:2) .  The amount of any individual gift is generally known only to the one who gave it and to the Lord.  This free-will offering is the only call which the church makes.  No assessments or other levies are made.  No money-making activities, such as bazaars or suppers, are engaged in. 

How does a Person Join the church of Christ?

By simply becoming a Christian. Just as in the New Testament, we have no special rules for joining our fellowship and no votes are taken to screen potential members. When one accepts and obeys the gospel, Christ adds him or her to the universal, worldwide church (Acts 2:47), and then that believer joins a local group of disciples to continue his or her growth and service to Jesus (Acts 10:26).