WHO ARE WE?

   ALLOW US TO INTRODUCE OURSELVES

We would like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves to you, and to clarify a few points about who we are and what we believe. This leaflet will take just a few minutes of your time and we trust that you will take that time to read it.

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST

....Is not a New Church

Congregations worshipping and teaching as we do have existed in the United States since the beginning of the nineteenth century. However, what is more important is that such congregations date from the time of the New Testament. The first church of Christ was established by the Lord through His Apostles, in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost following the resurrection and ascension of Christ. That church is described in the Word of God. We read about the names it wore, the message it preached, the way it worshipped God and the way it was governed. In short, in the New Testament, we are given a pattern for the true church, and all who are following the pattern faithfully are members of the church, children of God. The Belvedere congregation was established in January 1970

....Is not a Denomination

The church may be regarded by some as just another denomination, but this is not the case. We are opposed to the spirit of denominationalism, believing it hampers the spread of Christ’s kingdom. It is true to say that we are “non-denominational.” This is the reason why we cannot accept membership in inter-denominational organizations. We believe that this is not the way to solve the problem of disunity in the religious world. The Lord prayed that His people might be one (John 17:20-23) and the religious world can attain that oneness, if it will accept the Lord’s way. This involves abandoning human traditions and creeds of men, which have only served to divide, and accepting the Word of God as the sole authority in Christianity. Churches of Christ plead for unity on this basis.

....Has no Earthly Headquarters

There is no place on earth from which the church is controlled or governed. Our only head is Christ (Ephesians 1:22,23). Each congregation is autonomous, self-governing, whilst bound to other congregations of like faith by the ties of brotherhood. Each congregation seeks to be governed in the way taught in the New Testament, by a plurality of elders, bishops or pastors (not ecclesiastical dignitaries). These are assisted by deacons (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9). The work of preaching and teaching is done by local men of ability as well as by men who have given their lives to this work.

....Is not to be confused with other Religious Bodies

We are in no way connected with religious bodies bearing similar sounding names, such as “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints” (Mormons). “Church of Christ, Scientist” (Christian Scientists), “Church of Christ International” (Multiplying Ministries/Boston Movement) or “Jehovah’s Witnesses.” The church of Christ uses this name because that is how the New Testament churches were so designated in Romans 16:16. We do not use sectarian names, but desire simply to be called “Christians” (Acts 11:26).

....Does not ask for Money

There are no collections at our meetings except when the church meets to worship and to celebrate the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week (Sunday), as did the early church (Acts 20:7). We never solicit money from non-members or organize money-raising schemes. We believe that it is a New Testament principle that the church should support its own work (1 Corinthians 16:1-4).

....Has a Purpose

Our purpose is not to reform but to restore New Testament Christianity as it was in the beginning. Religious leaders, like the Scribes and Pharisees of old, jealously guard their unauthorized systems and traditions lest the people should learn the truth (John 8:32; 17:17). It is our desire to simply be Christians only, without addition or subtraction from that which our Lord Jesus Christ wants us to be. If you can help us in this aim by pointing out something in the Word of God that you think we may have overlooked, we shall be happy to hear from you. If, on the other hand, we can help you to better understand God’s will for you, we shall be sincerely glad to do so.

Each community in the land has those who have dedicated themselves to upholding religious systems that keep people from entering the kingdom of God by teaching that men do not have to obey the Lord’s commands. We are simply striving to preach the Gospel as the Lord, Himself, has commanded, in order that men and women who accept Him as their Savior and Lord, in obedience to that Gospel, might receive the blessings which He made possibly by His death at Calvary for our sins. Will you read these Scriptures? Matthew 28:19,20; Mark 16:15,16; Luke 24:46,47; Acts 2:37,38; Romans 6:3,4; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21)

What about you?

If you believe in worshipping God "in spirit and in truth"; if you believe that God’s Word still speaks to men today; if you appreciate warmth and friendliness -- why not come and visit us? You will be most welcome (for details of services, see "When Do We Meet?").