Church of Christ?

Question

What are your thoughts about the Church of Christ?

I am a Baptist by the way.

No piano?

No drums?

Answer 1

Most Baptist churches and churches of Christ are very similar, but let me focus on some differences.

Many Baptists churches teach one is saved before baptism.

The church of Christ recognizes that Jesus said, "He that believes and is baptized SHALL BE saved". (Mark 16:16) The church of Christ teaches that baptism is "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38) and to come into Christ and come into contact with his death, where the saving blood was shed (Romans 6:3-4, Gal. 3:27, Col. 2:12). (There are some "Baptists" that also teach this.)

Many Baptists teach we are saved by "faith only".

The Church of Christ recognizes that the ONLY VERSE in the Bible that uses the phrase "faith only" says that we are "justified... NOT by faith only". (James 2:24) We are not justified by works that are of ourselves (Eph 2:8-9); works we can boast of, but obedience does have a part in our salvation (Hebrews 5:9). Jesus said, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matt 7:21) You see, faith without works is dead being alone (James 2). (Some "Baptists" also teach this.)

Many Baptists teach that once you are saved, you cannot return to a state of being lost.

The Church of Christ teaches that God calls each of us to choose whom we will serve. (Josh 24:15) We each have free will, but there are rewards/consequences for the path we choose. (Some "Baptists" teach this also.)

Many Baptists have national headquarters or conferences that meet to decide the doctrinal position of the church.

Congregations of the church of Christ are independent. We recognize that Christ is the head and the church is his body (Eph 1:22-23). This being the case, we have no "headquarters" on earth. Rather, each congregation goes directly to the Bible to learn what we should teach and practice. The scriptures are sufficient for this purpose and we need no other authority. (2 Timothy 3:16-16, 2 Peter 1:3, Matt 28:18-20).

The question is a good one. It is tough to answer though because not all Baptist churches (Free Will, Primitive, Southern, etc.) teach the same. (The same may be said for members of the Church of Christ.)

The important thing though is, "What does the Bible say?"!!!!

In Acts 17:11, some were called "noble" because they eagerly received the word Paul preached and then searched the scripture to see if it was true! We should do this also!

The “church of Christ” is neither Catholic, nor Protestant. The church of Christ is not a denomination. The church of Christ identifies itself by name as a church that is trying to follow the “doctrine of Christ” (2 John 9). The “church of Christ” identifies itself by name as a church that belongs to Christ. The name points to the owner and builder. The name points to the one who purchased the church. (Matthew 16:18, Acts 20: 28)

In contrast to this the name of many denominations point to the name of a man, a particular practice, or the way they are organized. A member of a denomination identifies himself by name as one who submits to the authority of that denomination and tries to follow the doctrine (teaching) of that denomination. Why not just follow the doctrine and authority of Christ?

The church of the Bible is compared to a bride, with Christ being the groom. A bride honors the groom when she agrees to wear his name. But many churches today wear man made names.

Suppose, for example, Mr. Smith asks his girlfriend to marry him. She agrees, but says, “Our friend Mr. Jones is a good man, so when we get married, instead of being called Mrs. Smith, I want to be called Mrs. Jones.” Would Mr. Smith have a reason to question her loyalty to him? Would he feel honored? Why would a bride wear another man’s name? Why would a church want to wear a man-made name? The “church of Christ” wears a name found in scripture (Romans 16: 16).


The church of Christ wishes to restore the church to the teaching that was established and authorized by Christ and his apostles. We wish to have Biblical authority for everything we practice and teach. (Col. 3:17)

The Bible teaches that Jesus is the head of the church and the church is his body. (Eph. 1:22-23) The church of Christ recognizes this, and therefore there is no “headquarters” on earth. Each congregation is independent and goes directly to the Bible to learn what should be taught and how we should worship. We believe the Bible is sufficient and we need no other authority or creed books. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:3) Christ has “all authority” and we wish to follow this authority by following the things He taught. (Matt 28:18-20) We don’t want to add any man-made doctrine. (If we follow the authority or teaching of men, then Christ does not have “all authority” in our spiritual lives.) If we teach as doctrine the commandments of men, this makes our worship vain! (Matthew 15:9)

Please do not confuse the church of Christ with the “United Church of Christ”, the “International Church of Christ”, the “Church of Christ Scientists”, or the “Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints (Mormons)”. These groups are not the same and they teach drastically different things!

If you wish to know more about those who simply want to be New Testament Christians (nothing more, nothing less, nothing else), I invite you to investigate the church of Christ by comparison to the Scriptures! I have included a few web sites below that you might wish to visit, or you can e-mail me with any additional questions.

Thank you for your good question and interest in the church.

Answer 2

It depends upon which Church of Christ you mean. There are two very different groups. One is Fundamentalist, and calls their local congregations "Church of Christ". They're fairly common here in the South. I'll just say that since they're ultra-conservative Biblical literalists, I'm not personally interested (although if others want to worship that way, more power to them). Also, those Church of Christ groups often don't use instrumental music in worship, and I do have to admit that some of the vocal music sounds really nice.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_christ

As for the United Church of Christ, that's a different thing altogether. They are progressive Christians who have made great efforts in welcoming gays into their church, and have female clergy. I admire their openness and tolerance. They also have some excellent TV ads promoting their viewpoints.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Church_of_Christ

Answer 3

Well I wasn't raised in the church, my husband was. I knew little about the church and what I thought I knew was it was a cult ... HA HA that's a LIE!

July 7 of 05 I myself was baptist by my husband, into the body of Christ! The church is NOT a cult, they are not some weird people. I have found them to be open, loving, kind Christian people. The church sticks to the bible and does not waiver!

Its not about being entertained, its about learning from the bible. No music, just vocals, I love that! No overly decorated auditorium, your force stays on the preacher!

I LOVE THE CHURCH!

Answer 4

Obama is a member of the "United Church of Christ". This group is NOT the same as the Church of Christ!!!! They are drastically different in doctrine, worship, and organization.

Answer 5

I have no negative thoughts toward them. Most who I know are very nice.

Answer 6

It's a cult.

I have family in it, and I've seen what it's done to them. I'm honestly scared for them, but I there's no way to help.