In the churches of Christ, we believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative word of God, and we rely on it as the ultimate authority for faith, doctrine, and practice. We view the Bible as divinely inspired and sufficient for all spiritual guidance, containing everything necessary for salvation and godly living. Generally, we advocate for a straightforward, literal interpretation of Scripture, particularly regarding historical events and doctrinal teachings, while recognizing figurative language and different literary genres within the Bible. We place a particular emphasis on the New Testament as the guide for Christian faith and practice, viewing it as the covenant under which Christians live today. Our goal is to restore the practices and teachings of the early Christian church as described in the New Testament, which influences our worship, church organization, and Christian living. We reject human-made creeds and doctrinal statements, holding the Bible as the sole standard of faith and often adhering to the principle, "Where the Scriptures speak, we speak; where the Scriptures are silent, we are silent."

Because we are seeking to honor God by obeying His word, it is important for us to study to gain understanding for our lives (2 Timothy 2:15).

Through preaching of the word we may be built up in faith and when necessary, be corrected, reproved, and instructed. This helps us to ensure we are walking in of righteousness (2 Timothy 3:15-17).

Therefore, we seek to study together, while maintaining the command that everything be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40). As such, during our worship assembly we will be taught the word by a preacher of the gospel, and sometimes by an elder, or deacon. And, still other times a male member of the church might present a message from the word.

In addition to our worship assembly, we utilize our gathering for a period of Bible study. Each Bible class offers students a time to study the scriptures. The study is led by a teacher who facilitates the lesson. This period of time is less formal than worship. It is intended as a time that is a cooperative study. Questions are asked, scripture is examined, and discussion can help others to grow in knowledge of God’s truth.

A typical Church of Christ worship service is structured and simple, focusing on several core elements based on New Testament practices. The order of the parts of worship can vary between congregations. The service may begin with congregational singing, where all members participate without instrumental accompaniment, emphasizing vocal harmony. Prayer is a significant component, with multiple prayers offered throughout the service, often led by different members of the congregation.

Communion, or the Lord's Supper, is the central part of the service and is observed every Sunday, reflecting the practice of the early church. This involves the sharing of unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine (grape juice), commemorating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The sermon typically follows, delivered by the preacher, focusing on biblical teachings and practical applications for daily living. Scripture readings are included, highlighting key biblical passages related to the sermon or other aspects of faith.

Additionally, a collection or offering is taken, allowing members to contribute financially to the work of the church and its ministries. This giving is considered a freewill offering, done voluntarily by the members.

The service concludes with a closing prayer and often a final hymn. Throughout the service, there is a strong emphasis on congregational participation, simplicity, and adherence to New Testament patterns of worship. 

In the churches of Christ, prayer is considered a vital and central aspect of worship and daily life. We view prayer as a direct line of communication with God, essential for expressing gratitude, seeking guidance, confessing sins, and interceding for others. Our emphasis on prayer is grounded in New Testament teachings, with numerous examples and instructions on the importance of prayer in the life of a Christian.

During worship services, multiple prayers are typically offered, often led by different male members of the congregation. These prayers can include praise and adoration, thanksgiving, requests for the needs of the church and community, and personal supplications. We believe in the power of prayer to bring about spiritual growth, comfort, and change, both individually and collectively.

Outside of formal worship, personal and family prayer is encouraged as a daily practice. We see prayer as a way to maintain a close relationship with God, seek His will, and find strength and encouragement in all circumstances. Overall, prayer is regarded as an indispensable and cherished part of our faith and practice.

As an outcome of the distinguishing plea of the church - a return to New Testament Faith and practice - acapella singing is the only music utilized in worship. This singing, unaccompanied by inanimate instruments of music, corresponds to the music used in the apostolic church and for numerous centuries thereafter (Ephesians 5:19). It is believed that there is no jurisdiction for involving in acts of worship not found in the New Testament. This belief excludes the use of instrumental music, along with the use of candles, incense, and other comparable elements.

During our worship assembly on the first day of each week we will spend time remembering the Lord’s sacrifice. This time of worship is often referred to as The Lord’s Supper, or the Communion of our Lord.

In Matthew 26 we read that on the night that our Lord was betrayed, He instituted a memorial asking his disciples to partake of bread, which represents His body, and fruit of the vine; grape juice, in remembrance of his blood. It is a simple, yet profound, reminder that He gave His pure, Holy Life as a ransom for our sins.

We see that following the establishment of His church in Acts 2, that the disciples met together on the first day of the week to partake of the bread (Acts 20:7) to commemorate the death of Christ. Observing this memorial feast is something we do each first day of the week, when we come together in worship of our God and Savior.

During this time, a member of the church will lead our thoughts to the sacrifice that Jesus the Christ made, and expressing our gratitude and asking the Lord’s blessing, in prayer, for each of the parts of the supper. Christians partake of the supper of our Lord, by eating a small portion of bread, and drinking a small portion of the fruit of the vine, each being a reminder of the body and blood of Jesus.

One at a time, trays of both bread and fruit juice are passed through the aisles, and each person individually takes of the supper. As a visitor, you are not compelled to partake of this supper and may simply pass the tray to the next person if you are unsure what you are to do.

However, if you are a Christian and desire to observe the supper, you may do so. In this remembrance, we are instructed to, “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” 1 Corinthians 11:28-29.

It is a time for each person to individually reflect in remembrance of what the Lord has done.

Each first day of the week, we have a convenient time when we allow our members to give as they have prospered. This time is set aside, in accordance with Bible teaching (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), for the members of the local church congregation to give money that will enable us to carry out the church’s work.

No one is compelled to give a certain amount, or to feel under a compulsion to give excepting that they have a personal desire to give to the Lord. Our guests are not expected to contribute money. You may simply pass the basket to the next person. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Churches of Christ are typically led by a group of elders, also known as shepherds or overseers, who are appointed to provide spiritual guidance and oversight for the congregation. These elders are usually selected based on qualifications outlined in the New Testament, particularly in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

In addition to elders, deacons are appointed to serve the church in various capacities, focusing on specific tasks or ministries. Deacons are selected based on the qualifications mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.

Ministers or preachers often play a significant role in teaching and preaching but do not hold the same authoritative position as the elders. They are responsible for delivering sermons, teaching Bible classes, and supporting the congregation in various ways.

Each congregation is autonomous, meaning it governs itself independently without a central governing body. This autonomy allows each church to make decisions best suited to its local community while adhering to the New Testament teachings.

Overall, leadership in the Churches of Christ emphasizes a plurality of elders, supported by deacons and ministers, with a focus on adhering to biblical qualifications and principles.

The Churches of Christ hold to a conservative interpretation of biblical teachings regarding the roles of women in leadership and teaching within the church. This interpretation typically restricts women from serving as elders, preachers, or leading worship services. The basis for this stance is often cited from passages such as 1 Timothy 2:12, which states, "I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet," and 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, which instructs women to remain silent in the churches.

However, women are not looked down on. Women are often actively involved in other areas of church life, such as teaching children's and women's classes, organizing and participating in various ministries, and serving in roles that do not involve leading men in a worship setting. Women play a vital role in the strength and maturity of a congregation.

The most current reliable estimation notes more than 15,000 individual churches of Christ. The "Christian Herald," a common theological publication which publishes statistics regarding all the churches, determines that the total fellowship of the churches of Christ is now 2,000,000. There are over 7,000 men who preach publicly. Membership of the church is largest in the southern states of the United States, especially Tennessee and Texas, though there are congregations located in each of the fifty states and in over eighty foreign countries.

Churches of Christ believe and teach that the process of salvation comprises the subsequent actions:

• One must be properly taught, and hear (Romans 10:14-17);
• One must believe or have faith (Hebrews 11:6, Mark 16:16);
• One must repent, which means turning from one's former lifestyle and choosing God's ways (Acts 17:30);
• One must confess belief that Jesus is the son of God (Acts 8:36–37);
• One must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38); and
• One must live faithfully as a Christian (1 Peter 2:9).

The word baptize originates from the Greek word "baptizo" and precisely means, "to immerse," or, "to plunge." In addition to the accurate meaning of the word, immersion is practiced because it was the tradition of the church in the fist century. Only immersion corresponds to the representation of baptisms as given by the apostle Paul in Romans 6:3-5 where he describes it as a burial and resurrection. 

You cannot join the church. You are ADDED to the church when you are baptized for the forgiveness of your sins!(Acts 2:41) The church of Christ does not charge fees like other denominations. They believe it is necessary for salvation and many will make arrangements at the drop of a hat, even in the middle of the night if necessary, to make sure another soul is added to the Kingdom!

"Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which has been born of the flesh is flesh, and that which has been born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it is coming from and where it is going; so is everyone who has been born of the Spirit.” - John 3:5-8

Several well-known ministries are associated with the Churches of Christ, each focusing on various aspects of Christian service, education, and outreach. Here are a few notable ones:

1. World Bible School (WBS): This ministry focuses on teaching the Bible to people around the world through correspondence courses. WBS provides free Bible study materials and lessons to millions of students, aiming to spread the Gospel and encourage personal study of the Scriptures.

2. Sunset International Bible Institute (SIBI): Based in Lubbock, Texas, SIBI is a prominent educational institution that trains ministers, missionaries, and church leaders. They offer both residential and online courses in Bible and ministry training, with a strong emphasis on missions and evangelism.

3. Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort (CCDRE): This organization responds to natural disasters by providing immediate and long-term relief to affected communities. They supply food, water, and other essential items, working through local Churches of Christ to distribute aid efficiently.

4. Herald of Truth: A media ministry that uses radio, television, and the internet to share the Gospel message. Herald of Truth produces programs and content aimed at reaching a broad audience with the message of Christ.

5. Apologetics Press: Focused on defending the Christian faith, Apologetics Press produces literature, articles, and resources on topics such as creation, evolution, and biblical accuracy. Their materials are widely used in teaching and evangelistic efforts.

6. Eastern European Mission (EEM): EEM provides Bibles and biblical literature to countries in Eastern Europe and beyond. Their work includes distributing Bibles in public schools and partnering with local churches to spread the Gospel.

7. Healing Hands International (HHI): This ministry works to bring relief and development to impoverished communities worldwide. HHI focuses on clean water projects, agricultural training, medical care, and disaster relief, all while sharing the message of Christ.