Topic(s):  Church

Todd Clippard

As members of the church of Christ, we teach and practice non-denominational Christianity. Each congregation of the church of Christ is autonomous, that is, each is self-ruled under the authority of Jesus Christ and by the precepts of His New Testament. We have no earthly headquarters nor any earthly council, convention, or human organization to make rules or laws for the church.

Each congregation is overseen by a group of men called elders. In other places and translations this group of men are called pastors, shepherds, or bishops, or overseers. These men must meet the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. They do not make laws for the church, but rather oversee the local church to ensure the scriptures are followed and practiced. Elders have authority in matters of expediency in the local church, and have no authority outside the local body (1 Peter 5:1-4).

Everything we seek to do and teach must be governed and authorized by the New Testament. We seek to do Bible things in Bible ways, and call Bible things by Bible names. We do not use the name church of Christ as a denominational designation, but rather as a statement of ownership. The church of Christ means “the church that belongs to Christ.” Among other things, Jesus came to establish His church on earth (Matthew 16:16-19). Jesus purchased the church with His blood (Acts 20:28). Therefore the church belongs to him.

We would love to study with you further about the nature and practice of New Testament Christianity.