Who Are We



What's NEW? >>Camp Brochure >>Tents of Hope Who We Are Congregations Ministries Summer Camp >>Registration Campgrounds Regional Resources Regional Board Calendar		Who are We? You might say the Disciples of Christ were born in a log cabin in Cane Ridge, Kentucky or in a little church in Brush Run, Pennsylvania. Kentuckian Barton W. Stone ended his Presbyterian ties in 1804 to become a "Christian only." Thomas Campbell and son Alexander, Scotch Presbyterians, founded the Brush Run church in 1811, seeking union of all Christians based on simple New Testament basics. Their followers shook hands and emerged in 1832 at Lexington, KY. Evangelist Walter Scott provided energy, Alexander Campbell the philosophy and statesmanship. Together they shaped a movement that spread rapidly along the frontier. Why the chalice? The chalice bearing the X-shaped cross of Saint Andrew was adopted as the symbol of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by the denomination's General Assembly in 1971, and is a registered trademark with the United States Patent Office. The chalice was chosen because it represents the centrality of the Lord's Supper in the life and worship of the Disciples. The color red represents vitality, spirit and sacrifice. The X-shaped cross of the disciple Andrew is a reminder of the ministry of each person and the importance of evangelism. Saint Andrew has been identified with the laity and with evangelism, both of which have been prominent Disciples’ emphases. Saint Andrew is considered to have been the first evangelist, bringing his brother Simon Peter to follow Jesus. It is also believed that Saint Andrew died on a cross of the same shape. The Cross of Saint Andrew, national cross of Scotland, focuses attention on the Presbyterian roots of the Disciples. Both Thomas and Alexander Campbell studied in Scotland, were of Presbyterian faith, and later were instrumental in the founding of the Disciples of Christ. Where are we today? Richard L. Spleth, Regional Minister, Christian Church in Indiana, describes the basic beliefs of the the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) this way: How do you describe our church to others? As members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) we do not have the "brand name" recognition of some other denominations, and to some degree that is good. We never set out to be a denomination in the first place, but rather to be a movement to foster the unity of the church for the sake of Christ's mission. Nevertheless, we evolved into a distinct group within the universal church and as such have a particular identity and culture. How do you explain this in your evangelistic outreach? Here is a list of ten attributes that identify and clarify the combination of things that are unique to the Disciples. Note that I said combination. There is no single thing true about our church that is not also true of others. We practice a form of Christianity that is linked with the practices of other fellowships of Christians, but the combination is a distinctive one, and a healthy one too, I believe. The things that together identify the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) include these: The weekly observance of the Lord's Supper Disciples' life is centered at the table. Through communion we are connected to one another and to God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Believer's baptism by immersion Following the earliest tradition of the church, we demonstrate our commitment to God by dramatic action, letting the waters of our baptism give witness to God's grace upon us. Open membership Recognizing that the traditions of the whole church are many and varied, we do not insist that our baptismal practice is the only one that is valid. We know that baptism is God's action far more than our own. An attitude of tolerance and a rejection of creeds as tests of faith We celebrate diversity as strength rather than weakness, and do not expect everyone's interpretation of the Bible or the Christian life to be identical. The importance of scripture We believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and is best heard and understood within the community of faith with the diverse insight that context provides. Congregational yet voluntarily connectional We give the local congregation authority over their life and ministries, and yet share resources freely with a connected church, our denomination, knowing that the mission of the church is not just local. The inclusion of the leadership of women We believe that God provides spiritual gifts to all and do not restrict any office or role in the life of the church by gender. An emphasis on lay leadership Aside from performing weddings which is regulated by the state, lay persons in our church are permitted and encouraged to do all things, including presiding and offering the Eucharistic prayers at the Lord's Table, often restricted to ordained clergy in other denominations. An educated clergy We set educational and professional standards for ministers—licensed and ordained, and hold our clergy to ethical accountability through denominational oversight. A priority on ecumenical life Disciples earnestly pray and strive for the unity of the church and attempt to work in ways that bridge the separation of Christ's body. It would be difficult to find this combination of characteristics anywhere but within the Disciples. I hope these ten attributes are valued by you, and that you, too, will use them as you attempt to describe our church to others, inviting them to join us in serving Christ.

		Contact Us!	Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in South Idaho Phone: 208-468-8976 Fax: 208-468-8973