What We Believe
Unlike most other churches, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) does not have an official doctrine or creed we can refer to when someone asks, "What do you believe?" From the earliest New Testament days, persons evidenced their belief in God and their acceptance of Jesus Christ through a simple confession of faith. To this day, becoming a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) requires the same confession first made by Peter when Jesus asked him "Who do you say I am?" Peter responded, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Persons who wish to join our congregation are asked only, "Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and do you accept him as your personal Lord and Savior?" Members of North Christian Church answer this question in the affirmative.
We disciples have beliefs and practices in common with all sorts of Christians. For instance, we practice baptism by immersion as do Baptists, although persons coming into our church who were baptized in another way are not expected to be rebaptized. Like Roman Catholics and Episcopalians, we have communion every Sunday. Our congregations call their own ministers rather than accepting assigned pastors; in this respect, we are like Presbyterians. Our congregations are self-governed, so we follow the practice of such churches as the United Church of Christ. In many ways the Disciples have become a "melting pot" of Christians, a Church in which persons from a wide variety of traditions can feel comfortable. Although we have traditionally stated the Disciples have "no creed but Christ," in recent years an Affirmation of Faith was designed by our Church, which gives insight into our understanding of what it means to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior:
As Members of the Christian Church:
We confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and proclaim him Lord and Savior of the world.
In Christ's name and by his grace we accept our mission of witness and service to all people.
We rejoice in God, maker of heaven and earth, and in the covenant of love which binds us to God and one another.
Through baptism into Christ we enter into newness of life and are made one with the whole people of God.
In the communion of the Holy Spirit we are joined in discipleship and in obedience to Christ.
At the table of the Lord we celebrate with thanksgiving the saving acts and presence of Christ.
Within the universal church we receive the gift of ministry and the light of scripture.
In the bonds of Christian faith we yield ourselves to God that we may serve the One whose kingdom has no end.
Blessing, glory and honor be to God forever.