History of the Disciples

In the Beginning

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) had its beginnings in the early nineteenth
century on the  American frontier. Presbyterian ministers Barton Stone, Thomas
Campbell, and his son, Alexander, troubled by the many divisions among Christians,
sought to unify them by means of the principles and practices of the early, apostolic
Church, revealed in the New Testament.  The Campbell/Stone movement emphasized
freedom and diversity. Rejecting creeds as tests for membership, they asked only that
persons make a public confession that "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God"
and accept Him as Lord and Savior. This is still the practice of the church today.

Disciples Today

Today our nearly 3,800 congregations still share these characteristics:

  •    Each congregation is self-governing and calls its own pastor.
  •   Worship services may be formal or informal, and include lay women and  men in
    leadership.
  •   Open discussion of issues is encouraged. Diversity of opinion is common   We
    are growing in racial and ethnic diversity

Although each Disciples congregation has its own personality, all have members who
care for each other, opportunities to grow and learn, and ways to serve others. As
churches grow in true community, members care deeply for one another. But true
community also means reaching out to include others—encouraging the growth of a
diverse community in which all are welcomed and cared for.

In Disciples congregations, study and fellowship groups offer opportunities to ask honest
questions, share opinions and discover ways to deal with life’s difficult issues and to
grow in faith.

Disciples seek to provide a rich fellowship and sense
of community for people of all ages and walks of life.