Churches of Christ are not meant to be a denomination — and “Church of Christ” isn’t meant to be a sectarian name, as ministers noted in our recent story on “A divine name.” It’s simply one of the biblical descriptions of the local, autonomous churches that make up the body of Christ.
This is part of a series exploring the identity of Churches of Christ. Read more here.
Yet the name has served — for better or worse — as a way to help us identify and fellowship churches with a particular understanding of Scripture and how the church should look and function.
Likewise, Churches of Christ are not defined by the Restoration Movement, by Barton Stone or Alexander Campbell. We strive to be heirs of the first century church, following the examples we see in the New Testament.
But — again, for better or worse — Churches of Christ have an undeniable connection and influence from that movement, its leaders and its plea to restore New Testament Christianity.
As we consider “Who Are We?” during our yearlong series on the identity of our fellowship, The Christian Chronicle Editorial Board thought it useful to reflect on our individual views of why the Restoration plea is meaningful to us and how it fits with our connections to Churches of Christ. — Calvin Cockrell, for the Editorial Board.
“Christian friends within and beyond Churches of Christ don’t always agree on theology or practice, but we are unified by Christ and him crucified. May we make peace with all believers and let God sort out the differences. The fellowship as we know it may not endure, but I’m confident in the future of the kingdom.” — Cheryl Mann Bacon
“Sectarianism and power are fundamental longings of fallen human hearts. Unity based upon the teachings of Jesus, and often imperfectly embodied by his earliest disciples, offers a better alternative. At our best, Churches of Christ work toward such unity, granting the liberty to embody the Gospel across diverse settings.” — Jeremie Beller
“I value the commitment commonly held by Churches of Christ to Scripture and the examples of the New Testament. Our emulation may not be perfect, but the Restoration plea continually draws us back toward the truth and love of God and helps us resist the drift of the world.” — Calvin Cockrell
“The issue is what do we need to be restored to. The church of our parents is different than today, and young folks can learn from the past and our older saints. Today, older people need to break down cultural boundaries. Let’s talk to people and find out what people are doing.” — Hamil Harris
A Bible lay open to Acts 2, where thousands were baptized and added to the church on the Day of Pentecost.
“I think the Restoration plea calls the church to focus on what is true and unchanging, despite changes we experience over time. Looking at New Testament teachings and examples, I see the fellowship of the early church. One reason I participate in Churches of Christ is because I experience that type of relationship with other members.” — Kenzie James
“With sharp divisions taking place in America, and even within our brotherhood, it is critical for members of the Churches of Christ to remain clear-eyed regarding Jesus’ message on unity. How are we supposed to spread the Gospel if we can’t agree on what it means to be disciples?”— Trindi Mitchell
“I love the simplicity of striving to live and love like Jesus and finding truth and meaning in the stories and teachings of the Bible. It connects me to Churches of Christ because we share a common experience of relying on the Scriptures as our ultimate how-to guide.” — Bobby Ross Jr.
