SAINT CHARLES CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
(Disciples of Christ)

What is a Disciple?

The full name of our denomination is The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) with headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana.  If a church calls itself a Christian Church without using the (Disciples of Christ) suffix they are an "independent" Christian Church and are not directly connected to us.

 

The official symbol of this denomination is chalicetmc.jpg (13675 bytes) the red chalice with an embedded cross.  The cup emphasizes that communion is central to our faith and practice.  The cross is the traditional symbol of St. Andrew whose example of inviting others to meet Jesus is our role model.
 

 

What do Disciples believe? 

Like most Christians, Disciples affirm:

  • Jesus Christ is the son of the Living God, and offers saving grace to all
     
  • All persons are God’s children

  

Values and practices of Disciples include: 

  • Open Communion celebrated each week.  The Table is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ, regardless of your religious heritage or theological understanding.
  • Freedom of belief. Disciples are called together around one essential of faith: belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Persons are responsible only to themselves and to God, and so are free to follow their consciences guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study and prayer. We extend that freedom to others, as we do not judge the validity of each other's faith.

  • Baptism by immersion. That is, completely dipping one's entire body into the water.  In baptism the old self-centered life is set aside, and a new life of trust in God begins. Although Disciples practice baptism by immersion, other baptism traditions are honored as valid.  We also do an act of parent dedication for families with new infants.
  • Belief in the oneness of the church. All Christians are essentially one in Christ and called to seek opportunities for common witness and service.  This unity exists between all denominations and across all the centuries since Christ.
     
  • The ministry of believers. Both ministers and lay persons, male and female, youth and adults; lead in worship, service and spiritual growth.
Click on these links to find out our denominational mission and vision and our history.  Click here to find out about the 17 General Ministries of the national denomination.  Our congregation is part of the Southeast Gateway Area within the  Mid-America region