common questions
and answers

• What is the mission of the Church of Christ?

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We strive for religious unity based upon the Bible. In a divided religious world, the Bible is the only possible common denominator upon which all God-fearing people can unite. We aim to adhere to biblical principles. Our goal is to speak where the Bible speaks and to remain silent where the Bible is silent in all matters that pertain to religion. We hold firmly to the teachings of God’s word and not man-made traditions. Our mission involves taking the truth to all nations, so that all can find Christ and be saved.  “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

 

• How are the Churches of Christ organisationally linked together?

 

Following the plan of organisation found in the New Testament, Churches of Christ across the world are autonomous and non-denominational. While we are united in one faith (Ephesians 4:3-6) through the Word of God, there is no central headquarters of the church.  The Church of Christ in Ashlea Gardens is not governed by a synod or council and we have no central headquarters or president. Our head is Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23) (See “Organisation” tab).

 

• How is the Church of Christ in Ashlea Gardens structured?

 

We have a plurality of elders who serve as the shepherds of the flock. These men are selected by the congregation on the basis of qualifications set down in the scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-8 and Titus 1:5-9). The elders are shepherds or overseers who serve under the headship of Christ according to the New Testament. We also have deacons, teachers, evangelists, preachers, and members of the congregation.

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• What does the Church of Christ believe about the Bible?

 

We believe that the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God, as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16. The Bible is the basis for all preaching and all religious and theological issues are thus settled by referring solely to the scriptures. A pronouncement from the scripture is considered the final word. (See “What we believe” tab)
 

• Do members of the Church of Christ believe in the virgin birth?

 

Yes. The statement in Isaiah 7:14 is taken as a prophecy of the virgin birth of Christ. New Testament passages such as Matthew 1:20, 25, are accepted as declarations of the virgin birth. Christ is accepted as the only begotten Son of God, uniting in his person perfect divinity and perfect manhood.

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• Does the Church of Christ believe in predestination?

 

Only in the sense that God predestines the righteous to be eternally saved and the unrighteous to be eternally lost. Acts 10:34-35 is taken as evidence that God did not predestine individuals to be eternally saved or lost, but that each man determines his own destiny. 2 Peter 3:9 shows that God wants everyone to be with him one day. Therefore, if people conform to the plan of salvation they are chosen or predestined. Predestination does not refer to individuals, but to the plan of salvation. Each individual still has a choice whether they want to be saved or not. Joshua 24:15 says “choose whom you will serve”.
 

• Why does the church of Christ baptise by immersion only?

 

The word baptise comes from the Greek word “baptizo”, which literally means “to dip, to bury, to immerse, to plunge.” In addition to the literal meaning of the word, immersion is practised because it was the practice of the church in New Testament times. Still further, only immersion conforms to the description of baptisms as given by the apostle Paul in Romans 6:3-5 where he speaks of it as a burial and resurrection.

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• Is infant baptism practiced?

 

No. There is no example of an infant being baptised in the bible. The Bible mentions in Mark 16:16 that we must “believe and be baptised”, and an infant cannot believe. In addition, Acts 2:38 states “Repent and be baptised”, but infants are born without sin, so they cannot repent. Only those who have reached the age of accountability are accepted for baptisms. It is pointed out that the examples given in the New Testament are always of those who have heard the gospel preached and have believed it. Faith must always precede baptism, so only those old enough to understand and believe the gospel are considered fit subjects for baptism.

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• Do preachers of the Church of Christ hear confession?

 

No. Preachers of the church have no special prerogatives. They do not wear the title of reverend or father, but are addressed simply by the term brother, as are all other men of the church. Along with elders and others they do counsel and advise those seeking help. The only confession the congregation hears is when a person has indicated that they want to be saved by being baptised, and they confess before the congregation that Jesus is the Son of God.

 

• How often does the Church of Christ partake of the Lord’s supper?

 

In accordance with the New Testament teaching, we observe the Lord’s Supper on the first day of every week, as was practised by the first-century Christians. It is expected that every member of the church will assemble for worship on each Lord’s day. A central part of the worship is the partaking of the Lord’s supper (Acts 20:7). Unless providentially hindered, each member considers this weekly appointment as binding. In many instances, as in the case of illness, the Lord’s supper is carried to those who are hindered from attending the worship. (See “How we worship” tab.)
 

• What kind of music is used in worship?

 

As we aim to adhere to the standard set in the New Testament faith and practice, a capella singing is the only music used in worship. Of the eight New Testament references to music in worship, none mentions the use of mechanical music instruments. It is felt that there is no authority for engaging in acts of worship not found in the New Testament. This principle eliminates the use of instrumental music, along with the use of candles, incense and other similar elements. (See “How we worship” tab.) 
 

• Does the Church of Christ believe in heaven and hell?

 

Yes. The statement of Christ in Matthew 25 and elsewhere are taken at face value. It is believed that after death each man must come before God in judgement and that he will be judged according to the deeds done while he lived (Hebrews 9:27). After judgement is pronounced he will spend eternity either in heaven or hell.
 

• By what means does the Church secure financial support?

 

Each first day of the week the members of the church “lay by in store as they have been prospered” (1 Corinthians 16:2). The amount of any individual gift is generally known only to the one who gave it and to the Lord. This free-will offering is the only call which the church makes. No assessments or other levies are made. No money-making activities such as bazaars or suppers are engaged in. 
 

• Does the Church of Christ have a creed?

 

No. At least, there is no creed in the usual sense of the word. The belief of the Church is stated fully and completely in the Bible. There is no other manual or discipline to which the members of the Church of Christ give their allegiance. The Bible is considered as the only infallible and authoritative guide to heaven.

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•    How does one become a member of the Church of Christ?
   

The Lord adds the saved to His Church. Nowhere in the New Testament do you read of people joining a church. (Acts 2:41; Acts 2:47; Acts 5:14) Therefore, once you have been saved God adds you to His church.