What We Believe: Core Christian Beliefs

---

✝️ 1. Jesus Christ Established His Church

The foundation of the church begins with Jesus Christ, who is recognized as the founder and head of the church, as well as the Saviour of the Christian community. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus said:  

“I will build my church…” — Matthew 16:18  

The church was viewed not merely as a denomination, but as the community of believers who followed Christ.

🔥 2. The Church Began in Jerusalem

The beginning of the New Testament church is recorded in Acts 2 on the Day of Pentecost. After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension:  

- The apostles preached the Gospel  

- Thousands believed and were baptized  

- Believers gathered for worship, prayer, teaching, and fellowship  

Acts 2:42 describes the early church:  

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”  

This is often seen as the model for Churches of Christ today.

🌍 3. Growth of the Early Church

The Gospel spread rapidly from Jerusalem throughout:  

- Judea  

- Samaria  

- Asia Minor  

- Greece  

- Rome  

The apostles and early Christians established congregations in many cities, including:  

- Corinth  

- Ephesus  

- Philippi  

- Thessalonica  

Each local church was encouraged to:  

- Follow Scripture  

- Appoint elders and servants  

- Worship together  

- Care for one another  

📜 4. Return to New Testament Christianity

Many Churches of Christ today trace their modern roots to the Restoration Movement of the 18th and 19th centuries. This movement aimed to:  

- Return to the teachings of the New Testament  

- Remove human traditions and denominational divisions  

- Restore simple biblical Christianity  

Key principles included:  

“Speak where the Bible speaks”  

Unity among believers  

Following the example of the early church  

The goal was not to create a new denomination, but to restore the church described in the Bible.

🙏 5. Worship and Practice

Churches of Christ commonly emphasize:  

- Bible-centered teaching  

- Prayer  

- Singing  

- Communion (Lord’s Supper)  

- Baptism by immersion  

- Fellowship and service  

Leadership is usually local, with elders and ministers serving the congregation.

❤️ 6. The Church Today

Today, Churches of Christ exist around the world and continue to focus on:  

- Following Jesus Christ  

- Teaching the Bible  

- Building Christian community  

- Sharing the Gospel  

While congregations may differ in culture and style, the shared aim is to honor God according to the teachings of the New Testament.

The Mission of the Church of Christ

To glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ, teaching His Word, loving one another, and sharing the Gospel with the world, all while fostering a strong Christian community.

Core Areas of the Mission

1. Worship God

The Church of Christ exists to honour and worship God through prayer, praise, obedience, and daily living, embodying the essence of New Testament Christianity.

“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” — John 4:24

2. Teach the Gospel

The Church of Christ places strong emphasis on teaching the Bible faithfully and helping people understand God’s Word, fulfilling the call to spread the Gospel.

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel…” — Mark 16:15

3. Make Disciples

The mission includes helping people grow spiritually and become devoted followers of Christ, in line with the teachings of New Testament Christianity.

“Go and make disciples of all nations…” — Matthew 28:19

4. Build Loving Community

The church seeks to create a caring and supportive Christian community where people encourage one another in faith.

“Love one another as I have loved you.” — John 13:34

5. Serve Others

Churches of Christ often emphasize practical service, compassion, and outreach to the local community, demonstrating faith in action.

“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” — James 2:17