Church beliefs and practices International Churches of Christ

1 church beliefs , practices

1.1 beliefs
1.2 practices

1.2.1 sunday worship
1.2.2 1 year challenge
1.2.3 bible talks
1.2.4 discipling

church beliefs , practices
beliefs

the icoc regards bible inspired word of god. through holding doctrine based on bible alone, , not on creeds , traditions, claim distinction of being non-denominational . members of international churches of christ emphasize intent part of original church established jesus christ in death, burial, , resurrection, became evident on day of pentecost described in acts 2. believe follows plan of salvation laid out in scriptures saved grace of god. family of churches spread across 155 nations of world. racially integrated congregations made of diversity of people various age groups, economic, , social backgrounds.

like mainline churches of christ, icoc recognizes bible sole source of authority church , believes current denominational divisions inconsistent christ s intent. christians ought united however, there still contrasting approaches biblical interpretation. churches of christ permit practices found in accounts of new testament worship. find no new testament documentation of use of instrumental music in worship. icoc christian church, contrast, consider permissible practices new testament not expressly forbid.

pepperdine university published document in 2010 highlighting core beliefs of icoc:

god: father, son, , holy spirit

1. eternal purpose of christian know god , glorify him god, , let our life shine others see god. our devotion , ultimate loyalties father, on , in , through all; jesus son, has been declared both lord , christ; , holy spirit, lives in , empowers overcome workings of sinful nature (acts 2.22–36, rom 8.12–28).
2. cornerstone of our faith our belief in jesus christ. hold dear in our faith originates words , way of life (john 3.16, john 12.47–48, john 2.5–6).
3. bible inspired , infallible word of god. sharp, powerful, effective, challenging, exposing, , encouraging when revered, studied, preached, taught, , obeyed because our creator , therefore relevant generations (1 tim 4.13, 2 tim 3.16–17,4.1–5, heb 4.12–13).

gospel: work of god

4. our salvation totally depends on work of god, prompted own mercy , grace, not our deeds. work redeems hear, believe , obey gospel message through baptism christ through faith in god s power , continue remain faithful unto death (rom 2.7, acts 2.22–37, eph 2.8–10, col 2.12, heb 10.32–39, jas 1.12).
5. our earthly mission involves every member s participation in great commission seek , save lost, in bringing news of jesus christ parts of world. go mission, our testimony must consistent christ-like life of doing deeds , supporting , encouraging other christians , churches around world. in imitation of jesus mission, committed remembering poor demonstrating compassion suffer regularly doing whatever can lessen burdens , supporting group benevolent efforts through international agencies such hope worldwide , others (matt 28.19–20, acts 10.37–38, col 3.1–6, luke 19.10, gal 2.10, jas 1.27).
6. our motivation love god, love each other , love lost prompted god s love us, demonstrated in greatest form sacrificial death of jesus christ on cross our behalf (2 cor 5.14–21,1 john 3.16, luke 10.27).

the icoc teaches christians saved grace of god, through faith in christ, @ baptism. scriptures used support view include ephesians 2:10, romans 3:22, acts 2:38 , matthew 28:18–20. claim faith alone not sufficient, supported james 2:14–26, unless individual faith obeys god in baptism, believing baptism necessary forgiveness of sins. icoc maintains anyone, anywhere, follows god s plan of salvation found in scriptures saved.

the icoc teaches on basis of james 2:20–26 sinner s prayer not biblical. steven francis staten argues sinner s prayer represents belief system , salvation practice no 1 had ever held until relatively recently. evangelical preacher francis chan has made statements contradict sinner s prayer , emphasizes baptism , holy spirit. david platt, head pastor of church @ brook hills , author of book radical in article in christianity today: possible people believe in jesus, have accepted jesus, have received jesus, not saved , not enter kingdom of heaven? possible? absolutely, s possible. s not possible; probable . while affirmed people calling out god repentant faith fundamental being saved, said comments sinner s prayer have been motivated concern authentic conversions .

in agreement prevailing view in churches of christ, icoc believes necessary have understanding of baptism s role in salvation.

practices

an icoc church service in boston garden. prior building s demolition in 1998, massachusetts congregation held sunday services in boston garden arena.


sunday worship

a typical sunday morning service involves singing, praying, preaching, , sacrament of lord s supper. 1 unique element in icoc tradition lack of established church buildings. congregations meet in rented spaces: hotel conference rooms, schools, public auditoriums, conference centers, small stadiums, or rented halls, depending on number of parishioners. though church not static, neither ad hoc — leased locale converted worship facility. organizational standpoint, s great idea , observes boston university chaplain bob thornburg. put little money buildings...you put money people reach out more people in order them become christians.

this practice of not owning buildings changed when tokyo church of christ became first icoc church build own church building. building designed japanese architect fumihiko maki. became example other icoc churches follow suit.

one year challenge

to provide international service opportunity college-age students, icoc has program called 1 year challenge (oyc), graduating students take year off , go , serve church in third world or planted church in first world looking reach younger people gospel.

bible talks

a bible talk small group of disciples meet once week. can meet anywhere, including college dormitories, restaurants, , members houses. bible talks, or family groups , designed disciples can read bible , build relationships others in church. encouraged invite guests way guest introduced church in more informal setting. bible talk similar cell group or small group structure found in many churches facilitate close relationships amongst members.

discipling

disciples student-followers of jesus christ. practice of discipling involves mentoring , accountability partnerships , 1 of central elements of icoc s beliefs. members have mentoring , accountability relationships ( discipling ) believe practice based upon , encouraged biblical passages like: ecclesiastes 4:9-12; proverbs 11:25; proverbs 27:17; hebrews 10:25; james 5:16 among others. cite numerous examples of such relationships found in scripture moses , joshua, elijah , elisha, jesus , disciples, paul , timothy.

kip mckean, leader of icoc until 2001, said:

the church s emphasis on discipling has not been without critics. number of ex-members have expressed problems discipling in icoc. after removal of mckean, practice of discipleship partners has taken on more servant leadership approach . michael taliaferro explains in survey of icoc churches: recognize discipleship partners today (thankfully) different many experiencing 10 years ago. know blew in area in past. feel have grown. far know, no churches assign partners (everyone chooses themselves), , respondents convicted need relationships not harsh or bossy, rather biblically balanced, respectful, , mature.