Churches of Christ are interested in unity. We recognize our own personal shortcomings and weaknesses–and therefore want to carefully follow the all-sufficient and perfect plan God has for the church (II Timothy 3:16,17).
Non-denominational. We believe religious division is against God’s will. Jesus prayed for unity (John 17), and the apostle Paul begged those who were divided to unite in Christ (I Corinthians 1:10). We do not conceive of ourselves as being a denomination–nor as Catholic, Protestant, or Jewish–but simply as members of the church which Jesus established and for which He died. That, incidentally, is why we wear His name (“church of Christ”). The term “church of Christ” is not used as a denominational designation, but rather as a descriptive term indicating that the church belongs to Christ.
Christ-centered. Since God vested “all authority” in Christ (Matthew 28:18), and since He serves as God’s spokesman today (Hebrews 1:1,2), only Christ has the authority to say what the church is and what we should teach. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
Bible-based. Since only the New Testament sets forth Christ’s instructions, it alone must serve as the basis for all religious teaching and practice. This is fundamental with members of churches of Christ. We believe that teaching the New Testament without modification is the only way to lead men and women to become Christians.
We believe the only way to achieve unity is by a return to the Bible. We are not interested in manmade creeds, but simply in the New Testament pattern. Compromise cannot bring unity. Surely no person, nor group of persons, has the right to draw up a set of rules by which everyone must abide, but it is altogether proper to say, “Let’s unite by just following the Bible.” This is fair. This is safe. This is right.
So churches of Christ plead for religious unity based upon the Bible. We believe that to subscribe to any creed other than the New Testament, to refuse to obey any New Testament command, or to follow any practice not sustained by the New Testament is to add to or take away from God’s teachings. Both additions and subtractions are condemned in the Bible (Galatians 1:6-9; Revelation 22:18,19). This is the reason the New Testament is the only rule of faith and practice we have in churches of Christ.
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