The Disciples of Christ, also known as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), is a Protestant Christian denomination that originated in the United States in the early 19th century. The movement was founded by Thomas Campbell and his son Alexander Campbell, along with Barton W. Stone, during the Second Great Awakening. The Disciples of Christ emphasize Christian unity and the authority of the Bible, while allowing for diversity of opinion on many theological matters. Here is an overview of their key beliefs and practices:
History and Origins
The roots of the Disciples of Christ movement can be traced back to 1804 when Thomas Campbell, a minister of the Seceder Presbyterian Church, issued the “Declaration and Address” calling for Christian unity. This document outlined 13 propositions for church reform centered on the Bible alone as the only authoritative rule of faith and practice. Thomas Campbell, along with his son Alexander Campbell and Walter Scott, sought to restore primitive Christianity and bring unity to divided denominations. Meanwhile, in Kentucky, Barton W. Stone and others broke away from the Presbyterians and formed the “Christians” or “Christian Connection” movement with similar goals.
In 1832, these groups merged at the High Street Meeting House in Lexington, Kentucky to form a unified movement that would officially take the name “Disciples of Christ” in 1837. The combined movement outgrew its regional roots and spread rapidly after the American Civil War. They rejected denominational creeds, instead allowing unity in the essentials of the faith while allowing for diversity in the non-essentials. Today, the Disciples of Christ claim over 600,000 members in the United States and Canada.
Beliefs and Practices
Here are some of the key beliefs and practices of the Disciples of Christ:
Bible and Christian Unity
The Disciples consider the Bible their highest authority, but allow freedom of interpretation. They emphasize Christian unity and acceptance of diverse opinions. Their main goal is to “unite the Christians in all places of the world.” (Thomas Campbell, Declaration and Address)
Baptism by Immersion
Disciples believe that baptism should be by immersion. They practice believer’s baptism, not infant baptism. Baptism is seen as a symbol of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. It serves as a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ.
Weekly Communion
Disciples churches practice an open communion available to all believers. The Lord’s Supper is celebrated weekly to remember Christ’s sacrifice. Grape juice and bread are the emblems used.
Local Church Autonomy
Congregations are self-governing under Christ’s authority. There is no central governing authority or ecclesiastical structure above the local church level. Each congregation calls its own ministers and handles its own affairs.
Priesthood of All Believers
Disciples affirm the priesthood of all believers, rejecting a special priestly class. There is no requirement of seminary training to administer the sacraments or preach the gospel.
Restoration Movement
The Disciples see themselves as a restoration movement seeking to re-establish New Testament Christianity. They aim to restore the unity and practices of the early church. The simple confession “Jesus is Lord” is sufficient for baptism.
Evangelism and Missions
There is a strong emphasis on evangelism and missionary work. Disciples were early leaders in the ecumenical movement to promote cooperation in missions across denominations.
Social Justice
The Disciples have a long history of advocating for social justice. They affirmed the civil rights movement in the 20th century. Many churches and ministries focus on social issues today.
Ecumenism
The Disciples were a founding member of the World Council of Churches. They actively pursue partnerships and dialogue with other church bodies. Full communion agreements have been made with several denominations.
Congregational Music
Most Disciples churches feature congregational singing of hymns rather than choral or instrumental music. The use of musical instruments varies between congregations.
No Requirement of Uniform Theology
There is no requirement that all Disciples must adhere to the same theology or doctrinal positions. Diversity of belief is allowed on issues like the atonement, election vs free will, nature of the Bible, and eschatology.
Organizational Structure
The Disciples of Christ avoid hierarchical or centralized church authority. Congregations are self-governing and voluntarily cooperate through regional, national, and global ministries. Here are a few bodies that facilitate cooperation:
- General Assembly – This national deliberative body meets biennially to determine priorities and approve budgets.
- General Board – Leaders elected at General Assembly oversee cooperative ministries between assemblies.
- Regional Assemblies – These assemblies coordinate cooperation and mission in specific regions.
- College of Regional Ministers – Facilitates partnership between regional ministers.
- Pension Fund – Administers health and retirement plans for ministers.
- Christian Church Services – Provides loans and services for church buildings and projects.
- Disciples Home Missions – Supports mission activities and new church development.
These voluntary cooperative structures allow self-governing congregations to work together to advance shared goals and ministries.
History and Schisms
While unity is a core ideal for the Disciples, differences over theology and practice have caused several schisms throughout their history:
- Churches of Christ – In 1906, conservatives dissented and officially organized the Churches of Christ. They rejected innovations like musical instruments in worship.
- Christian Churches and Churches of Christ – In 1926, fundamentalists left to form this group. They stress biblical inerrancy.
- Independent Christian Churches – Some independent congregations dissented over perceived liberal theology. They stress restorationism.
- International Churches of Christ – This schism in the 1970s was over discipleship practices seen as overly authoritarian.
These schisms caused membership declines and fragmentation among restorationist movements. The main Disciples of Christ body has remained more progressive on theology and social issues.
Membership and Demographics
In 2021, the Disciples reported 574,329 members in 3,312 congregations across the United States and Canada. They tend to have a large number of congregations with less than 100 members. Their strongest presence is in Indiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and North Carolina. Historically white, they now have growing racial/ethnic diversity, especially Hispanic membership.
Demographics from Pew Research in 2014 show:
- 86% White, 6% Black, 3% Hispanic
- 55% female, 45% male
- 33% over 60 years old
- 57% with college degree or more education
- 69% politically moderate, 19% liberal, 12% conservative
These demographics signal both the aging Anglo roots of the movement as well as increasing diversity and progressive leanings among current adherents.
Prominent Members
Some prominent Americans have been affiliated with Disciples of Christ congregations, including:
- Lyndon B. Johnson – 36th U.S. President
- Ronald Reagan – 40th U.S. President
- Jesse Jackson – Baptist minister and civil rights activist
- Nellie Tayloe Ross – First female U.S. Governor (Wyoming)
The Disciples also count many musicians, artists, scholars, and social activists among their members. Their seminaries have trained numerous theological thinkers and academics.
Universities and Seminaries
The Disciples founded several universities with religious roots including:
- Bethany College – Bethany, West Virginia (1840)
- Butler University – Indianapolis, Indiana (1855)
- Drake University – Des Moines, Iowa (1881)
- Texas Christian University – Fort Worth, Texas (1873)
- Chapman University – Orange, California (1861)
Prominent Disciples seminaries include:
- Brite Divinity School – Fort Worth, Texas
- Christian Theological Seminary – Indianapolis, Indiana
- Disciples Divinity House – University of Chicago
- Lexington Theological Seminary – Lexington, Kentucky
These universities and seminaries have given the relatively small Disciples movement an outsized influence in academia and higher education.
Magazines and Publishers
Major magazines associated with the Disciples include:
- The Christian Standard – Founded in 1866, based in Cincinnati
- The Christian-Evangelist – Founded in 1863, based in St. Louis
- DisciplesWorld – Global magazine founded in 2001
Prominent publishing houses include:
- Chalice Press – St. Louis, Missouri
- Christian Board of Publication – St. Louis, Missouri
- Judson Press – Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
These periodicals and publishers have helped promote Disciples theology, history, and engagement with contemporary issues.
Ecumenical Relations
The Disciples actively pursue ecumenical relationships and theological dialogue with other church bodies. They have entered into full communion partnerships recognizing each other’s ministries and sacraments with these denominations:
- United Church of Christ (1989)
- Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Canada (2001)
- United Church of Canada (2016)
The Disciples are also engaged in bilateral dialogues with churches like the Roman Catholic Church, Presbyterian Church (USA), and African Methodist Episcopal Church. They continue working towards the goal of unity for all followers of Christ.
