Recently I was having lunch with a friend, and he asked me, “Cory, does a church have to be ‘Church of Christ’?” This is a very important question, and I am so glad that he raised it. I’ll do my best to respond to it.
Unfortunately, many people today think of the phrase “Church of Christ” in denominational terms rather than in biblical terms. They assume that there is some official “Church of Christ” organization, with “Church of Christ” beliefs, “Church of Christ” practices, “Church of Christ” schools, “Church of Christ” preachers, “Church of Christ” members, etc.
They may infer, for example, that worshiping in song without instruments is a peculiar “Church of Christ” doctrine or tradition. Or they may believe that having only men lead in congregational worship is an antiquated, denominational, “Church of Christ” practice.
They may conclude that “Church of Christ” ministers are all trained and approved by some overseeing “Church of Christ” authority. They may reason that what happens in one “Church of Christ” congregation is indicative of every other congregation in the “Church of Christ” denomination.
Many go a step further. They think that “Church of Christ” members believe that, unless you join their denomination, you are in the wrong denomination. These condescending “Church of Christ” members must think that they are smarter, better, or holier than others.
What shall we say to all of this?
First, no human being, congregation, or religious group owns or controls the phrase, “Church of Christ”. Anyone can use those words. For example, I personally know a “Church of Christ” that has several female elders (pastors or overseers) and a female pulpit preacher. Another “Church of Christ” has a band at one service, organ music at another, and a vocal music team at another.
Because there is no copyright or patent on the phrase, “Church of Christ”, and because there is no denominational hierarchy, churches such as these are able to be and do whatever they choose without needing the approval of any higher authority. They can call themselves “Church of Christ”, and no one can stop them. There is no “Church of Christ” convention or council that can award that phrase or take it away.
Second, from a purely biblical point of view, “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16) is just one of several New Testament designations for followers of Jesus Christ. Of course, Jesus spoke of the one church as “my church” (Matthew 16:16-18), so it is the Lord’s church or Christ’s church, and the designation is accurate. However, at the same time, the phrase “churches of Christ” biblically refers to the same people called elsewhere the “body of Christ”, the “bride of Christ”, or the “household of faith”.
So, what did I want to tell my friend? Our time was limited, but I wanted to say …
The church described in the New Testament was not a denomination.
That church belonged to Christ. He called it, “my church”. It was and is Christ’s church.
All of the apostles and early disciples were part of that same, one body.
When I believed the gospel, repented of sin, confessed Christ, and was immersed for the forgiveness of my sins, the Lord added me to that same one original church.
Anyone today can do the same thing and be added to the same church to which the apostles belonged and to which I belong.
I have never joined any denomination or human religious organization.
The New Testament does not authorize Christians in God’s church to join anything else. No one is ever taught to become a hyphenated follower of Jesus. Manmade religious organizations that require membership beyond following Jesus are by their very nature divisive and opposite to the unity for which Christ prayed in John 17.
No, the New Testament does not authorize manmade names for God’s church. The church in the Bible was never called Catholic, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Keystone, Faith Fellowship, Northwood, Gateway, Grace Community, etc. It was always described in ways that honored its founder, savior, and king.
I am not a “Church of Christ” preacher. I am a Christian who preaches the gospel. The church belongs to Christ, and he added me to his body, his church.
If a church does not wear the name of Christ, there’s typically much more to the situation than just the difference in the name.
If a church wears a manmade name rather than a God-given name, there is a reason. It is fair to ask the members of that church why they chose their own name and by what authority. Ask them why they do not put a biblical descriptor on their sign.
It is fair to ask who started that church and why. Ask what if anything makes that church distinctive. Also ask if the church is in fellowship with other churches and if they join in worship services with other churches. Ask which churches and why or why not.
Practices such as baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sins, weekly observance of the Lord’s supper, a cappella singing without instruments, leadership by male elders, etc., are not “Church of Christ” doctrines or “Church of Christ” traditions. They are matters of biblical teaching, supported by book, chapter, and verse.
With today’s technology, you can probably watch this or that church’s services online to see what they preach and what they practice. You may also see their statement of faith. Compare their teachings carefully to scripture. If in doubt, ask questions.
Look especially for their teachings on …
How one initially responds to the gospel so as to become saved.
The necessity and urgency of repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
The possibility that a saved person can abandon the faith and become lost.
The observance of the Lord’s supper on the first day of each week.
The leadership of the church by male elders.
The distinctive roles of males and females in the church.
Every Christian worshiping God by offering vocal praise.
Back to my friend and his question …
It’s fine to ask, “Is this the church of Christ as described in the New Testament?” But don’t stop there. Ask, “How does this church recognize and implement the teachings and practices of the church as described in the New Testament?”
Because “Church of Christ” is more than just a name.
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