We believe that a church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers [a] associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the gospel; [b] observing the ordinances of Christ; [c] governed by His laws; and [d] exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His Word [e] that its scripturally designated officers are elders and deacons, whose qualifications, claims and duties are clearly defined in the scriptures; [f] we believe the true mission of the church is found in the Great Commission: First, to make individual disciples; second, to baptize them; third, to teach and instruct, as He has commanded. We do not believe in the reversal of this order; [g] we hold that the local church has the absolute right of self-government, free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; and that the one and only superintendent is Christ, through the Holy Spirit; [h] that it is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and the furtherance of the gospel; that every church is the sole and only judge of the measure and method of its cooperation; [i] on all matters of membership, of policy, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the local church is final.
Acts 2:41, 42
1 Corinthians 11:2
Ephesians 1:22-23
Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:4, 8-11
Acts 6:5-6; 14:23; 15:23; 20:17-28; 1 Timothy 3:1-13
Matthew 28:19-20
Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23-24; 1 Peter 5:1-4
Acts 15:22; Jude 3-4; Malachi 3:10; Leviticus 27:32; Corinthians 16:1,2; 2 Corinthians 8:23-24
1 Corinthians 5:11-13; 6:1-3
Acts 2:41, 42
1 Corinthians 11:2
Ephesians 1:22-23
Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:4, 8-11
Acts 6:5-6; 14:23; 15:23; 20:17-28; 1 Timothy 3:1-13
Matthew 28:19-20
Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23-24; 1 Peter 5:1-4
Acts 15:22; Jude 3-4; Malachi 3:10; Leviticus 27:32; Corinthians 16:1,2; 2 Corinthians 8:23-24
1 Corinthians 5:11-13; 6:1-3