Disciples of Christ

Disciples History

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a Protestant denomination of approximately 800,000 members in the United States and Canada. It's one of the largest faith groups founded on American soil.

Thomas Campbell was chastised by Pennsylvania church authorities for refusing to use Presbyterian creeds as terms of communion. In 1808 he and others founded the Christian Association of Washington, Pennsylvania. That group adopted the motto, well-known by Disciples, "Where the scriptures speak, we speak; where the Scriptures are silent, we are silent."

Campbell and others were called "Reformers," for their desire to restore the Church's first century roots. This way of life came to be known as the "Restoration Movement."

Near Washington, Pennsylvania, Campbell and his son, Alexander, and the Christian Association established the Brush Run Church, which, in 1815, became part of a nearby Baptist Association.

Reformers and the Baptists differed on key issues. By 1830, the Reformers cut their last ties with the Baptist Association and became known as "Disciples."

Thomas Campbell's passion for Christian unity is summed up in his proclamation that : "The church of Christ upon earth is essentially, intentionally, and constitutionally one." This statement is the first and key proposition of Thomas Campbell's Declaration and Address, a work called by some the "Magna Charta" of the movement that preceded the denomination known as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

The "Christians" and the "Disciples of Christ" agreed on basic beliefs and aims and united with a formal handshake in Lexington, Kentucky, and created a new Christian movement on the American frontier.

The "Christians" and the "Disciples of Christ" functioned and grew as a "movement," often referred to as the "Stone-Campbell movement." During this period, Disciples often described the relationship of the Christians and the Disciples of Christ as a "brotherhood." In 1960, the Commission on Brotherhood Restructure started the task of designing a new form of organization. Throughout the 20th century, American Asian, Hispanic and African American Disciples congregations multiplied.

A representative assembly meeting in Kansas City overwhelmingly approved the Provisional Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Church historian D. Duane Cummins writes: "Approval of the Provisional Design marked the passage of the Disciples into denominational maturity. Officially named the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), they became a church."

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Our Belief

This congregation is a part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Originating in the early 1800s, this is the oldest denomination established in the United States. As Disciples we strive to remain obedient to the teachings of Christ by practicing a faith, which is socially relevant, and intellectually sound. Members are bound together in fellowship and service by belief in the central confession of the New Testament: "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God." In other matters, we recognize the right to exercise freedom of opinion. The Disciples of Christ have traditionally endeavored to increase respect, understanding and unity among all believers in Christ.

The focal point of our service is the proclamation of the Word and celebration of the Lord’s Supper, which we observe every time we worship. We practice open communion, which means that all worshippers may participate.

We practice baptism by immersion for those who have reached the age of understanding and have made a confession of faith. If one has been baptized in another tradition, that baptism will be recognized.





Home Beliefs and History Active Ministries Sermons Calendar of Events Recent Events South San Joaquin Youth Camp 2010 Photo Gallery Newsletter Archive Online Donation Links of Interest Email the Pastor Contact Us	Beliefs and History Disciples History Disciples Belief Disciples History The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a Protestant denomination of approximately 800,000 members in the United States and Canada. It's one of the largest faith groups founded on American soil. Thomas Campbell was chastised by Pennsylvania church authorities for refusing to use Presbyterian creeds as terms of communion. In 1808 he and others founded the Christian Association of Washington, Pennsylvania. That group adopted the motto, well-known by Disciples, "Where the scriptures speak, we speak; where the Scriptures are silent, we are silent." Campbell and others were called "Reformers," for their desire to restore the Church's first century roots. This way of life came to be known as the "Restoration Movement." Near Washington, Pennsylvania, Campbell and his son, Alexander, and the Christian Association established the Brush Run Church, which, in 1815, became part of a nearby Baptist Association. Reformers and the Baptists differed on key issues. By 1830, the Reformers cut their last ties with the Baptist Association and became known as "Disciples." Thomas Campbell's passion for Christian unity is summed up in his proclamation that : "The church of Christ upon earth is essentially, intentionally, and constitutionally one." This statement is the first and key proposition of Thomas Campbell's Declaration and Address, a work called by some the "Magna Charta" of the movement that preceded the denomination known as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The "Christians" and the "Disciples of Christ" agreed on basic beliefs and aims and united with a formal handshake in Lexington, Kentucky, and created a new Christian movement on the American frontier. The "Christians" and the "Disciples of Christ" functioned and grew as a "movement," often referred to as the "Stone-Campbell movement." During this period, Disciples often described the relationship of the Christians and the Disciples of Christ as a "brotherhood." In 1960, the Commission on Brotherhood Restructure started the task of designing a new form of organization. Throughout the 20th century, American Asian, Hispanic and African American Disciples congregations multiplied. A representative assembly meeting in Kansas City overwhelmingly approved the Provisional Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Church historian D. Duane Cummins writes: "Approval of the Provisional Design marked the passage of the Disciples into denominational maturity. Officially named the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), they became a church." Click here for more information: Our Belief This congregation is a part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Originating in the early 1800s, this is the oldest denomination established in the United States. As Disciples we strive to remain obedient to the teachings of Christ by practicing a faith, which is socially relevant, and intellectually sound. Members are bound together in fellowship and service by belief in the central confession of the New Testament: "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God." In other matters, we recognize the right to exercise freedom of opinion. The Disciples of Christ have traditionally endeavored to increase respect, understanding and unity among all believers in Christ. The focal point of our service is the proclamation of the Word and celebration of the Lord’s Supper, which we observe every time we worship. We practice open communion, which means that all worshippers may participate. We practice baptism by immersion for those who have reached the age of understanding and have made a confession of faith. If one has been baptized in another tradition, that baptism will be recognized.