Every 4 years a World Convention is held in a different part of the world. The World Convention is a gathering of all three streams of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Churches of Christ - a capella, Christian Churches/ Churches of Christ, and Christian Churches/ Disciples of Christ). Currently the Convention is being held in Nashville. The goal of the Convention is to foster a "sense of fellowship" among the distinctive groups.
I was breezing through the website: worldconvention.org
I found this list of distinctive characteristics of our congregations (all 3 groups). In reading further, I noted that much effort, including contributions from across the board, produced this list. Here it is:
So what are the marks of Christian Churches and Churches of Christ?
It is possible to choose ten major characteristics:
1. A concern for Christian Unity
2. A commitment to Evangelism and Mission
3. An emphasis on the centrality of the New Testament
4. A simple Confession of Faith
5. Believers' Baptism
6. Weekly Communion
7. A Biblical Name
8. Congregational autonomy
9. Lay Leadership
10. Diversity/Freedom/Liberty
For further reading: Characteristics of our Churches
Another good link: The Story of Our Movement
How do you feel about such effort to re-unify our unity movement?
Do you think such efforts have any personal relevance to your Christian walk?
Thursday, July 31, 2008
World Convention
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2 comments:
I am a little ignorant regarding practices of the Disciples of Christ...Aren't there differences that some a capella churches and Christian churches would have a hard time establishing fellowship over?
Eric
Yes, Disciples do stand apart from the similarities of CofC & Christian Churches. That is one reason I find this list to be so interesting. It demonstrates that at our cores, we are yet very similar in priorities.
The classic mantra is as follows:
In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.
The great question is how to differentiate between essentials versus non-essentials? The Stone-Campbell conservative includes many things in the "essential" category, likewise, the S-C liberal includes less.
Given the limits of my personal experience and knowledge, I can only speak from a conservative point of view. I think that we, who draw tighter lines of fellowship, need to consistently examine our rationale for the lines we draw. It is a serious matter to draw lines among Christ's people. Certainly some lines are needed - I don't question that. The more I understand our history coupled with my effort to greater apprehend the "message of the cross," it seems spiritual prudent to challenge my tendencies toward exclusivism.
I get into trouble because I am not so private in my processing of these things. I tend to talk and write my thoughts. Consequently, I am challenging OUR tendencies.
I wrestle with conflicting motivations. I find no joy in upsetting people. I especially do not like to see people question my character or spiritual fitness to teach and lead. On the other hand, great events are happening around us. Our movement, which was in the throes of an identity/ significance crisis, is emerging with a renewed sense of mission and relevance. I wonder if anyone around me would know (or care) if I didn't wave a flag every so often.
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