The weekly celebration of the Lord's Supper - Our worship and spiritual life centers around the Lord's Table. Through communion we feel especially connected to ourselves, to one another, and to God.
Believer's baptism by immersion - Following the earliest tradition of the church, we show our commitment to God by being lowered into the water and "washing" away our sins.
Open membership - Even though we baptize a particular way, we accept the baptism of other Christians when they come into membership in our church.
An attitude of tolerance - Every person is different, and so is every Christian. We do not expect everyone's interpretation of the Bible or the Christian life to be exactly the same.
Congregational yet voluntarily connectional - While each local congregation decides what its life and ministries will be like, we still gather voluntarily as a connected church because we know that Christian mission is more than local.
Shared leadership - We believe that God provides spiritual gifts to everyone. We encourage all of our congregations to be open to the leadership of all persons in any office or role in the life of the church.
An emphasis on lay leadership and ministry - Aside from performing weddings, which is regulated by the state, lay persons in our church are permitted and encouraged to do all things, including presiding at the Lord's Table. We believe that all Christians become ministers to the world through their baptism.
An educated clergy - We set educational and professional standards for ministers, and through denominational oversight we expect our clergy to follow a code of ethics.
A priority on helping all churches be united in Christ - Disciples still work and pray for the unity of the church, and we try to find ways that bridge the separation of Christ's Body.
The Preamble to the Design of 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 God’s covenant of love
which binds us to God and to 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.
At the Table of the Lord
we celebrate with thanksgiving
the saving acts and presence of 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.