What do we believe as members of the
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)?
- As Disciples, we believe first and foremost that Jesus is the Son of the Living God who offers saving grace to us all. Secondly, we believe that all persons are children of God.
- Disciples celebrate in Open Communion. The Lord’s Supper or Communion is celebrated each week during our Worship Service. This is open to all believers regardless of denominational affiliation and church membership.
- Disciples perform baptism through a Believer’s Baptism, otherwise understood as immersion. During our baptism, one’s old life is put aside and symbolically dies as Christ died when our bodies are immersed in the water. And we symbolically rise as Christ rose from the dead when we take our first breath out of the water as newly baptized members.
- Disciples believe in a Priesthood of all believers. What that means is lay persons and ordained clergy alike are central to the spiritual formation of each church ministry. The importance of both is paramount.
- Disciples value freedom of belief and diversity of opinions. Disciples are called to be centered on Jesus, but that is all. We are also called to love one another regardless of our stances on other issues. As Disciples we are to respect the diversity with which God placed on each of our hearts. We are to embrace this diversity rather than trying to conform to a perceived notion of what is right or better. In doing this, we are all able to come to the table equally blessed and called by our Lord.
Our Denomination’s History
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was founded in the early 1800s in the United States. We were molded and formed during the Second Great Awakening when our founders fought very hard to break down the walls of exclusion that other denominations were modeling at that time.
Because of this and our Biblical stance within the parameters of the New Testament, the church grew rapidly across the American frontier. Our beginnings resonated with our early settlers.
Today, nearly 4,000 congregations share these characteristics. Each congregation is self-governing and each congregation puts in place the mission of its unique ministry. Worship Services differ depending on the style of interest for both pastor and laity. Our congregations are made up of a broad spectrum of ethnic and racial diversity.
First Christian Church in Findlay,
Ohio is a safe place for you to feel welcome in God’s loving arms. Everyone here is respected and listened to.