When Did The Church Of Christ Start

When Did the Church of Christ Start? Tracing the Roots of a Movement

The question, "When did the Church of Christ start?" doesn't have a simple, single answer. Understanding its origins requires exploring a complex tapestry of historical interpretations, theological perspectives, and evolving practices. Different groups identifying as "Church of Christ" will often point to different starting points, reflecting internal diversity and varying emphasis on historical continuity. This article will delve into the historical narrative, examining key milestones and the ongoing debates surrounding the church's beginnings.

The Apostolic Church: The Foundation Claim

Many Churches of Christ trace their origins back to the Apostolic Church described in the New Testament. This is a central tenet of their belief system, emphasizing the direct lineage from the original followers of Jesus Christ. They argue that the essential elements of worship, organization, and doctrine remained consistent from the first century until the present day. This perspective anchors their identity in the earliest days of Christianity, asserting a continuous existence unbroken by major schisms or theological shifts.

Key Principles of the Apostolic Church: A Foundation for Continuity

The emphasis on apostolic continuity focuses on several key principles believed to be essential to the early church:

• Biblical Authority: The Bible, particularly the New Testament, serves as the sole rule of faith and practice. No extra-biblical traditions or creeds are accepted as authoritative. This emphasis on sola scriptura is a cornerstone of the Churches of Christ identity.

• Baptism: Immersion baptism is seen as a crucial step of obedience, mirroring the baptism practiced by Jesus' disciples. The importance of proper baptism is a defining characteristic that sets them apart from other Christian denominations.

• Communion (Lord's Supper): The observance of the Lord's Supper, or communion, is central to their worship. It's understood as a literal remembrance of Christ's sacrifice and a communal expression of faith. The simplicity of the elements (unleavened bread and unfermented grape juice) is often emphasized.

• Organization: The Churches of Christ generally advocate for a congregational structure, with local churches operating autonomously. They reject hierarchical systems of church governance, emphasizing the equality of believers and the authority of the local congregation.

• Preaching and Teaching: Emphasis is placed on the clear exposition of scripture and its application to daily life. Evangelism and missionary work are central aspects of their mission.

The Restoration Movement: A 19th-Century Rebirth

While claiming apostolic continuity, the modern Churches of Christ largely emerged from the Restoration Movement of the early 19th century in the United States. This movement, spearheaded by figures like Thomas Campbell and Alexander Campbell, reacted against perceived denominationalism and corruption within existing Protestant churches. They sought to restore the church to its original New Testament form, emphasizing unity and simplicity.

Thomas and Alexander Campbell: Key Figures of the Restoration Movement

Thomas Campbell, a Scottish-born Presbyterian minister, initially sought reform within the Presbyterian Church. However, his growing dissatisfaction with denominational divisions led him to advocate for a return to the unity and simplicity of the early church. His son, Alexander Campbell, further developed and popularized his father’s vision. Alexander’s persuasive preaching and organizational skills helped spread the Restoration Movement throughout the United States.

Key Principles of the Restoration Movement: A Call for Unity

The Restoration Movement's core principles resonated with many who felt disillusioned with established churches:

• Rejection of Denominationalism: A strong rejection of denominational distinctions and the divisions they created was central to their message. They emphasized the importance of Christian unity based on the New Testament model.

• Return to the New Testament: The movement’s primary focus was on returning to the practices and doctrines of the early church as found in the New Testament, advocating for a purely biblical approach to faith and practice.

• Emphasis on Conversion and Discipleship: Personal conversion and ongoing discipleship were heavily emphasized. The movement actively sought to spread its message and convert individuals to its vision of the restored church.

Divergence and Divisions: The Complexity of a Movement

Despite the shared goal of restoring the early church, the Restoration Movement itself experienced divisions and splintering over time. Different interpretations of scripture and organizational structures led to the emergence of various groups, all identifying as Churches of Christ but with nuanced differences in beliefs and practices.

Instrumental Music: A Major Point of Contention

The use of instrumental music in worship has been a significant source of division within Churches of Christ. Some congregations maintain a strict a cappella tradition, believing it to be the only form of worship sanctioned in the New Testament. Others have embraced instrumental music, leading to a significant schism within the movement.

Other Points of Divergence

Beyond instrumental music, other theological and practical differences have contributed to the diversification of Churches of Christ:

• Communion frequency: The frequency of communion observances varies among congregations.

• Leadership structures: While generally congregational, different interpretations of leadership roles and responsibilities exist.

• Missionary approaches: Differing views on missionary strategies and the appropriate scope of missionary work have also emerged.

• View of the Bible: While all claim sola scriptura, the approach to scriptural interpretation varies in terms of hermeneutics.

Defining the "Start": A Matter of Perspective

Given the historical narrative, defining the "start" of the Churches of Christ becomes a matter of perspective:

• Apostolic Church Perspective: The most conservative view points to the first century AD, emphasizing the unbroken lineage from the apostles.

• Restoration Movement Perspective: A more common viewpoint dates the start to the early 19th century with the work of Thomas and Alexander Campbell, acknowledging the movement's origins in the context of the broader Restoration Movement.

• Congregational Perspective: Individual congregations might trace their origins to their specific founding date, highlighting the historical context of their own local establishment.

Conclusion: A Continuous Journey

The question of when the Church of Christ started remains complex and multifaceted. The answer depends on one's theological perspective and historical interpretation. While many trace their roots back to the Apostolic Church, the modern Churches of Christ largely emerged from the 19th-century Restoration Movement. Internal divisions and evolving practices further complicate the narrative. Ultimately, understanding the history of the Churches of Christ requires acknowledging both the claims of apostolic continuity and the significant developments within the Restoration Movement, recognizing the inherent complexities and ongoing evolution of the movement itself. The journey continues, reflecting the dynamic nature of faith and its expression throughout history. The focus on biblical authority and the pursuit of a more unified and simple faith remain central themes that continue to shape the Churches of Christ today.