A restoration church
The Churches of Christ grew out of the 19th-century Restoration Movement, which sought to set aside denominational creeds and restore the church of the New Testament. Each congregation is independent and led by its own elders, with no headquarters. Members usually prefer not to call themselves a denomination.
They are not the same as the United Church of Christ, a mainline Protestant denomination with a very different style.
A cappella singing
The first thing visitors notice is the singing without instruments. Because instruments are not mentioned in New Testament worship, the whole congregation sings in four-part harmony, led by a song leader. Hymn numbers are posted or projected; join in or listen, it is often beautiful.
The service
- Several hymns and prayers led by members of the congregation.
- The Lord's Supper, observed every Sunday. Trays of unleavened bread and small cups of grape juice are passed along the pews. It is intended for baptized believers; visitors may simply pass the tray on.
- A separate collection, often explained as being for members.
- A sermon of around 30 minutes, closely tied to Scripture, and an invitation to respond, usually with a closing song.
In most congregations, men lead the public parts of worship.
Baptism
Churches of Christ teach that baptism by full immersion, for believers, is part of becoming a Christian, and baptisms can happen any time someone asks, even at the end of a service.