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Through the years considerable diversity has developed among and between the various heirs of the Restoration Movement (Churches of Christ and Christian Churches). However, there are many common characteristics shared by the various streams of the movement. Lorraine and Lyndsay Jacobs from New Zealand have identified the following ten common characteristics. The following material is adapted from their papers, Who Are We? and Characteristics of Our Churches. Concern for Christian Unity
In the 1808 'Declaration and Address' Thomas Campbell wrote that the 'Church of Christ on earth is essentially, intentionally and constitutionally one'. Another pioneer, Barton Stone, spoke of Christian unity being the 'polar star'. The 'Christian' movement was a movement for unity within the fragmented and often hostile and competitive church environment of that time but ultimately became a separate movement. Today there are different understandings of how Christian unity might be understood and achieved. Some feel that they have discovered what the church should be like and that unity will come through others recognising this and joining with them. Others believe that there is already an underlying God-given unity despite apparent division. While others wish to be involved in dialogue and negotiation with other church families. Commitment to Mission and Evangelism
Unity was never an end in itself. Its desirability came out of the understanding ‘that the world could be won only if the church became one’. Today that commitment is shown both by emphasising the need for personal commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and by a concern for peace and justice for all people. Emphasis on the Centrality of the New Testament
Christian Churches and Churches of Christ are 'People of The Book'. They believed that unity could be achieved by 'restoring' the New Testament Church - stripping away the accumulation of traditions that had brought about division. The authority was the scriptures - not the church. Many still like to be referred to as the 'Restoration Movement'; others believe there are difficulties in accepting that the New Testament provides a clear unified model for the church. All members of Churches of Christ and Christian Churches would describe themselves as biblical but interpretation varies greatly. Simple Confession of Faith
From Matthew 16:16 came the cornerstone question for church membership: ‘Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ and accept him as your Lord and Saviour?’ Answering ‘yes’ to that question is all that is required for membership though many congregations have membership classes. This simple question avoided the use of creeds, some of which had been very divisive. Many in Churches of Christ today will not make any use of creeds; others will use them as a means of expressing faith - but not a test of faith. Practice of Believer's Baptism
Only people who have reached an age where they can make their own confession of faith are baptised. The means of baptism is always immersion. Baptistries - for immersion - are features of worship facilities. Celebration of Weekly Communion
Again believing that they follow the New Testament model, Churches of Christ celebrate communion or ‘The Lord’s Supper’ each Sunday. Of course, like many of the things which we follow because we feel they are part of the New Testament pattern, we also do them because of the huge value we find in them. Desire to be Known by Biblical Names
Members of the emerging 19th Century Movement wanted to be known only as 'Christians' or 'Disciples of Christ'. Slogans such as 'Christians only - but not the only Christians' and 'Biblical names for Biblical people' captured this emphasis. Congregations use names such as Church (or Churches or church) of Christ, Christian Church or Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Emphasis on Congregational Autonomy
Members of Churches of Christ live under the authority of Christ but this authority is seen as being worked out in the local congregation. For many this congregational autonomy is absolute; many others guard their autonomy jealously but have established ways of working together; many are organised in regions and/or nationally (recognising wider fellowship as manifestations of the church) but still with a considerable degree of congregational autonomy. Globally there is very limited organisation. The World Convention of Churches of Christ is a global fellowship which endeavours to build up fellowship, understanding and common purpose within the whole family. Understanding That Every Member is Involved in Ministry The 'Priesthood of all Believers' is a mark of all Christian Churches and Churches of Christ. We speak of 'mutual ministry'. Participation by members in all aspects of the church's life is a notable feature. One does not have to be a 'minister' to lead in communion or baptise someone. Women and men are seen as equal by many parts of the family but others see distinct roles for men and women. There is an employed and trained ministry with recognition varying from a 'paid member' to an expectation of special leadership. Acceptance of Diversity/Freedom/Liberty
'In essentials unity, in nonessentials liberty, and in all things love' is the best known slogan in our family. Christian Churches and Churches of Christ have always allowed for diversity and much of that diversity has been enriching. Diversity also allows for the possibility of intolerance and division and that unfortunately has been part of our experience. This Christian family is left with the challenge of finding for itself the unity-in-diversity it seeks for the whole church of Jesus Christ.
Lorraine and Lyndsay Jacobs, Who Are We?, A Statement Prepared by former General Secretaries of the World Convention of Churches of Christ. The authors state that “It is in no way prescriptive or definitive”. Used with permission.
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