 About the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was founded in
the 19th century with Presbyterian and Baptist roots.
Seeking to move beyond denominational disagreements, the
founders envisioned a united church of Jesus Christ modeled
on the New Testament. One of the largest
Protestant denominations established on American soil, it has
approximately 800,000 members in the United States and Canada.
The
Christian Church finds its identity in its passion for Christian Unity,
the Lord’s Supper being open to all, and its freedom of thought.
Rejecting all human creeds, members are free to follow their consciences
guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study and prayer, and are expected
to extend that freedom to others.
First Christian Church is part of the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ). Today we are over
3,700 congregations strong and still share that vision. The chalice
symbolizes our focus on the celebration of Holy Communion.
First Christian Church Statement of Calling
First Christian Church, Lynchburg, is a congregation which is seeking to
grow in the faith, knowledge, and love of God as revealed in Jesus
Christ. We are open and welcoming to all who desire to join us on this
journey.
Through worship, education, fellowship, nurture, and service in the
Community and wider church, we strive to “become a dwelling place for
God,” *encouraging each other in discipleship and in discovering and
using our gifts by which the Holy Spirit brings wholeness and healing to
all the world. *Ephesians 2:22
Essential Affirmations
We believe:
In God, creator and sustainer of all, who has been revealed in Jesus
Christ;
That God loves all unconditionally without regard to race, gender, age,
ethnicity, cultural or religious background, economic status, mental or
physical ability, sexual orientation, family configuration, or other
distinctions, and we are called to welcome as God welcomes; and
That we are called to ministry as “a priesthood of all believers” and
are endowed with gifts for that ministry.
What Disciples Believe
Open Communion
The Lord's Supper, or Communion, is celebrated in weekly worship and it
is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
The Oneness of the Church
All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities
for common witness and service.
Freedom of Belief
As Disciples, we are called together around two essentials of faith: a
belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and that Christians are
free to follow their conscience guided by Bible study, the Holy Spirit
and prayer. We are expected to extend that freedom to others.
Baptism by Immersion
In baptism, the old self-centered life is set aside, washed away and a
new life of trust in God begins. Although Disciples practice baptism by
immersion, other baptism traditions are honored.
The Ministry of Believers
Both ministers and lay person lead in worship, service and spiritual
growth.
And above all, that Jesus Christ is the son of the Living God, who
offers saving grace to all who seek it.
Check out these links for more information:
Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ)
Christian Church in Virginia
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