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Christianity AtlasChurch & Denomination Guide
Group guide

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Also known as: Disciples of Christ, Christian Church

A mainline North American denomination from the Stone–Campbell movement, known for weekly Communion, ecumenism, congregational participation, and a broad theological range.

DenominationInside historic Nicene ChristianityShared historic core, with several important differences

60-second overview

A mainline North American denomination from the Stone–Campbell movement, known for weekly Communion, ecumenism, congregational participation, and a broad theological range.

History and identity

The Disciples of Christ developed denominational structures while retaining congregational identity and the Lord’s Table as a central symbol of unity. Baptism by immersion remains historically important, but open membership and theological diversity distinguish the denomination from more conservative Restoration bodies.

Core teachings and practices

  • Weekly Communion and an open table.
  • Ecumenical and mainline identity.
  • Congregational life within a denominational structure.
  • High theological diversity.

Variation across churches

High variation within the group

What it shares with the Reformed Baptist Base Beliefs

This group is within historic Nicene Christianity, with broad agreement on the Triune God and Jesus Christ’s full deity and humanity. Other important differences may still remain.

Important differences from the Reformed Baptist Base Beliefs

Disciples of Christ remains inside historic Nicene Christianity, but its denomination-wide breadth in authority, salvation, baptism, and Communion creates substantial differences from the reference beliefs. Congregational administration is not treated as a foundational disagreement; a specific congregation may be closer.

How it relates to historic Nicene Christianity

Inside historic Nicene Christianity

This group is within historic Nicene Christianity.

Boundary guide
Important distinctions
  • Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Churches of Christ, and Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ are distinct Restoration Movement streams.
Related groups
Stone–Campbell Restoration MovementStone–Campbell Restoration MovementChurches of ChristIndependent Christian Churches/Churches of ChristIglesia ni Cristo

Sources

The group’s own sources come first, followed by outside context and the guide’s comparison.

  1. Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) — Our Identity
    VerifiedOfficial doctrine
  2. Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) — Our History
    VerifiedOfficial history
  3. Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) — Identity Statement and Principles
    VerifiedOfficial doctrine
  4. Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) — Communion and Baptism
    VerifiedOfficial doctrine
  5. Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) — Our Confession
    VerifiedHistoric confession
  6. Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) — The Design of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
    VerifiedOfficial doctrine