Skip to content
Christianity AtlasChurch & Denomination Guide
Group guide

Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ

Also known as: Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, Independent Christian Churches

A fellowship of autonomous Stone–Campbell congregations distinct from both the a cappella Churches of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Denominational familyInside historic Nicene ChristianityShared historic core, with several important differences

60-second overview

A fellowship of autonomous Stone–Campbell congregations distinct from both the a cappella Churches of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

History and identity

These congregations typically use musical instruments, practice believer’s baptism by immersion, celebrate the Lord’s Supper weekly, affirm biblical authority, and cooperate through colleges, conventions, missions, and voluntary organizations rather than a denominational hierarchy.

Core teachings and practices

  • The slash is part of the movement’s established compound name.
  • Autonomous congregations and voluntary cooperation.
  • Instrumental worship is common.
  • Weekly Communion and immersion baptism are central.

Variation across churches

Moderate 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

The guide’s base beliefs may share biblical authority, believer’s baptism, evangelism, and autonomy. Differences can arise over baptism’s relation to salvation, restorationist identity, and use of formal confessions.

How it relates to historic Nicene Christianity

Inside historic Nicene Christianity

This group is within historic Nicene Christianity.

Boundary guide
Important distinctions
  • The compound name “Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ” refers to a distinct Restoration Movement stream; it is not another name for the separate Churches of Christ stream.
Related groups
Stone–Campbell Restoration MovementStone–Campbell Restoration MovementChurches of ChristChristian Church (Disciples of Christ)Iglesia ni Cristo

Sources

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

  1. Disciples of Christ Historical Society — Christian Churches/Churches of Christ
    VerifiedReputable secondary source
  2. Disciples of Christ Historical Society — Stone-Campbell Movement history resources
    VerifiedReputable secondary source
  3. North American Christian Convention / movement resources — About Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ
    VerifiedSelf-description
  4. Christian Standard — The “Independent” Christian Church
    VerifiedSelf-description
  5. Faith Communities Today / Cooperative Congregational Studies Partnership — The Independent Christian Church, Churches of Christ (instrumental)
    VerifiedReputable secondary source