Bethany Christian Church
Beliefs
The Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) was founded in the United States in 1832. Seeking to move beyond denominational
disagreements, the founders envisioned a united church of Jesus Christ modeled
on the New Testament. Today we are over 3,700 congregations strong and still share
that vision.
2003 Statement from Coastal Plains Area Churches
- Open Communion
- The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is celebrated in weekly worship and
it is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
- The Oneness of the Church
- All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities
for common witness and service.
- Freedom of Belief
- As Disciples, we are called together around two essentials of faith: a belief
in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and that Christians are free to follow
their conscience guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study, prayer, and
are expected to extend that freedom to others.
- Baptism by Immersion
- In baptism, the old self-centered life is set aside, washed away and a new
life of trust in God begins. Although Disciples practice baptism by immersion,
other baptism traditions are honored.
- The Ministry of Believers
- Both ministers and lay persons lead in worship, service and spiritual growth.
Preamble to the Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
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 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.
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.
[Chalice Hymnal, Number 355]