Churches of Christ are a group of religious congregations that accept the Bible as the inspired, authoritative word of God. The New Testament is the principal authority for church and Christian action, but the Old Testament contributes much to faith and understanding. The congregations recognize no creeds or manuals of doctrine. They regard Jesus Christ as the founder, head, and savior of their church. Members believe that one is born again by faith, repentance, confession, and baptism. They also believe that one must lead a faithful Christian life to be saved.
The Churches of Christ are self-governing congregations. There are no central offices or officers. A group of elders leads each congregation, assisted by a group of deacons.
During the early 1800’s, many local movements in such areas as New England, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Georgia urged a return to the Bible. As a result of this effort to restore New Testament Christianity, congregations that make up the Churches of Christ are located in all 50 states of the United States and in more than 100 other countries. Most members, however, live in the south-central part of the United States, especially in Tennessee and Texas.
Member congregations operate hundreds of primary and secondary schools, as well as several junior colleges, colleges, and universities. They also sponsor several graduate schools of religion, many schools of preaching, and numerous children’s homes and charitable agencies.
