The Disciples have no written creed, saying instead that there is "No Creed But Christ." However, many agree that the preamble to The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) expresses several shared affirmations:
"As members of the Christian Church, we confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and proclaim him Lord and Savior of the world.
In Christ's name and by his grace we accept our mission of witness and service to all people.
We rejoice in God, maker of heaven and earth, and in the covenant of love which binds us to God and to one another.
Through baptism into Christ we enter into newness of life and are made one with the whole people of God.
In the communion of the Holy Spirit we are joined together in discipleship and in obedience to Christ.
At the table of the Lord we celebrate with thanksgiving the saving acts and presence of Christ.
Within the universal church we receive the gift of ministry and the light of scripture.
In the bonds of Christian faith we yield ourselves to God that we may serve the One whose kingdom has no end.
Blessing, glory and honor be to God forever. Amen."
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Church Structure
People often ask us if we are non-denominational. What they usually mean by this question is:
Is the congregation autonomous and able to call the pastor of its choice?
Is the congregation able to set it’s own budget, without claims by
a denominational structure?
Is the congregation able to establish programs and ministries based
on their understanding of God’s mission for them?
First Christian Church would answer “Yes,” to each of these questions.
Though the pastor is considered a teaching Elder, our pastors do not “run the church.” A General Board, made up of the chairs of our various ministries manages our congregation. The pastor is a non-voting member of this Board.
There exists a collegial relationship pastor & people and together they seek
to discern whom God is calling us to be as God’s people of new life.
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Becoming a Member
The vast majority of our membership came to the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ from other denominations. Cradle “Disciples” are very rare at FCC.
We do not require a creedal position, a catechism, or affirmation of any doctrine in order to join our fellowship.
We affirm each believer is able to walk their faith journey as God leads him or her. We provide tools for their journey, but we will not chart their path.
We do not re-baptize believers who come to us from other traditions. We believe God acts in Baptism, and we therefore accept the baptism of other churches as sufficient for membership within First Christian Church.
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