Beliefs
GRACE
We are all on a journey of faith, but we are all at different points along the way. Scripture you read today may speak to you in one way, yet hold a completely new meaning five years from now, as life shapes our understanding and perspective.
At First Christian Church, we create a space for grace, where everyone can share their beliefs without fear of judgment or rejection. Rather than prescribing what you should believe, we invite you to join us in exploring God's Word together.
LOVE
We warmly invite you to the Lord's Table for open Communion, where all who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are welcome. This is not our table—it is God’s table, a table of boundless love and grace.
No matter your tradition, we honor and accept all forms of baptism—whether it’s sprinkling or believer’s baptism. This is a space where God’s love brings us together as one family in Christ.
Come as you are and share in these sacred moments with us.
COMMUNITY
We strive to be a church family that reflects God’s love and grace. We invite those searching for hope and purpose to know Him better by knowing us. Our doors are open to the community, creating a space where everyone is welcome.
We believe the church is the people not the building. We are a fellowship of believers living as the presence of Jesus in the world. By reaching beyond our walls to serve those in need, we fulfill His call, remembering, “Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me.”
Here, everyone is accepted and loved. Our doors are open. All are welcome.
STATEMENT OF FAITH
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The Interpretation Principle: We affirm the church’s view of scripture as the major authoritative resource for Christian life and work.
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The Restoration Principle: In seeking to restore the New Testament church, we seek the will of God for the church.
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The Ecumenical Principle: Denominations are partial and relative expressions of a Christian faith that can only be fully known in the unity of the church.
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The Eschatological Principle: We seek to live “as if” the kingdom of God were an objective reality in our midst, though it is not synonymous with the church.
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Sacraments: We observe two sacraments—Baptism and Communion. All who want to follow Jesus are invited to participate.
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Ministry: We believe the ministry of Christ is entrusted to all the people of God.
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Mission: The church’s mission is to witness to the reign of God in history, through the work of the Holy Spirit.
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The Church: The church is the body of Christ; it belongs to God, not to its membership (laity and clergy).
Excerpts from “A Statement of Faith for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)” by Mark G. Toulouse. The full document may be viewed here. Imbed: Toulouse_A-Statement-of-Faith_2021.pdf
FOUR TENETS OF OUR DENOMINATION
1. Freedom of Belief
Disciples are called together around the belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Persons are free to follow their consciences guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study and prayer and are expected to extend that freedom to others. We hold the centrality of Scripture, recognizing that each person has the freedom and the responsibility = to study God’s Word within the community of the Church.
2. Baptism by Immersion
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.
3. Belief in Oneness of the Church
All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service.
4. The Ministry of All Believers
Both ministers and lay persons lead in worship, service, and spiritual growth. We affirm the priesthood of all believers. Rejoicing in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. – which include the gifts of leadership – that God has given for the common good.
CHALICE SYMBOL
The symbol of The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a red chalice (or Communion cup) with an embedded X-shaped cross.
The cup symbolizes the centrality of communion in our worship. We believe all believers, regardless of denomination, are welcome at the Lord's table.
The X-shaped cross is called the St. Andrew's Cross. Tradition has it that the apostle Andrew was crucified because of his ministry. When the terrible moment came, he declared himself unworthy of being crucified on a cross like his Lord's, and requested that he be nailed to an X-shaped cross instead. The X-shaped cross has ever after served to signify humility and sacrifice.
SCRIPTURE
We believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and a foundation for faith and daily life. We encourage each person to read and reflect on Scripture while also learning and growing together as a faith community.
We trust that the Holy Spirit guides us in understanding God’s truth and that different perspectives help deepen our faith. Rather than having tests of faith and creedal statements, we critically and thoughthtfully study scripture, taking into account the history and background – the context – in which it was written.
BAPTISM
Baptism is the beginning of an incredible journey. Baptism is a personal decision, and a declaration of your desire to follow Christ. We believe baptism is about accountability, so we do not baptize infants but instead offer infant dedications, allowing families to commit their children to God while giving them the opportunity to choose baptism for themselves when they are ready. There is no set timeline—baptism happens when the individual feels called, and we are here to walk with you when that time comes.
If you are deciding to follow Jesus and have never been baptized, we have a Pastor Class to teach about the biblical principles, and our denominational beliefs. Once you have completed the class, you are invited to come forward in worship and make a public confession of faith.
“Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God and do profess Jesus to be your Lord and Savior?”
The following Sunday candidates will be baptized and may also join in church membership. If you have been baptized already, you may come forward during the service and ask to join the church. We accept all baptisms (sprinkle, immersed, and believers). You will not be re-baptized at First Christian. We trust God was at work in your life before you came here.
