Like most Christians, Disciples Affirm:
Open Communion
The Lord’s Supper, or Communion is celebrated in weekly worship. It is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
Freedom of belief
Disciples are called together around one essential of faith: belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Persons are free to follow their consciences guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit study and prayer, and are expected to extend that freedom to others.
Baptism by immersion
In baptism the old self-centered life is set aside, and a new life of trust in God begins. Although Disciples practice baptism by immersion, other baptism traditions are honored.
Belief in the oneness of the church
All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service.
The ministry to believers
Both ministers and lay persons lead in worship, service and spiritual growth.
Years ago a group of pastors online were having a discussion that turned into just another skirmish in the “worship wars.” You know what I’m talking about: the seemingly endless argument between those who favor traditional worship and hymns and those who prefer contemporary worship and praise music.
Many years ago I read a story—I don’t remember where, although it might have been in one of the late Tony Campolo’s books—about a preacher in a huge, multi-racial church in the deep South, not too long after the civil rights demonstrations that brought an end to legalized segregation in this country. This preacher was asked how it happened that this church in the deep South was so large and so racially mixed. He said that it hadn’t always been like that.
Morning Prayer for December 19, 2024. Scriptures: Matthew 17:1-13; Psalm 33:4-8. Hymn: Creator of the Stars of Night. CCLI streaming license #20546947
Morning Prayer for December 18, 2024. Scriptures: Matthew 11:2-15; Psalm 119:65-68. Hymn: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. CCLI streaming license #