Since God has vested all authority in Christ (Matthew 28:18), and since He serves as God's spokesman today (Hebrews 1:1-2), it is our conviction that only Christ has the authority to say what the church is and what it should teach. And since the New Testament sets forth Christ's instructions to His disciples, it must serve as the basis for all that we practice and teach. The churches of Christ have no modern bureaucracy, but are each autonomous (self-ruled) and independent of each other. The only tie that binds the many congregations together is a common allegiance to Christ and the Bible. Each congregation is governed locally by a plurality of elders selected from among the members. These men must meet the specific qualifications for this office as given in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. There may also be deacons who meet the qualification established in 1 Timothy 3.

Our worship services consist of things we find the 1st century church doing as listed in the Bible. We believe the pattern is important. Jesus said, "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). Therefore we must have the right attitude toward God. And we must have the right information.

To worship God according to truth is to worship Him according to His word, because His word is truth (John 17:17). In matters of religion we walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). Since "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17), anything not authorized by the Bible cannot be done by faith ... and whatever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). The five items of worship as observed by the 1st century church were singing, praying, preaching, giving, and eating the Lord's Supper.

The emphasis is upon the Bible as the revelation of God Himself and Christ, His Son. Since the church's purpose is to be governed in all things by the Bible alone, its members are simply Christians--just as were the disciples of the first century.

Since no denominational names are found in the Bible, no denominational names are worn. Nor does the church of Christ have conferences, synods, councils, or earthly headquarters, since Christ has not authorized these manmade institutions.

We teach the message of the crucified and risen Lord Jesus. We urge all to accept God's free gift of eternal life. God's plan for forgiveness involves repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21), confession of Jesus as the Son of God (Romans 10:10), and baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), followed by a life of faithful service to God. (Revelation 2:10)

We know that Christ is the only source of lasting peace and joy in this life, and that, through Him, everlasting life is possible. We, as Christians, want to share His message with others because we know what His love has done for us and want everyone to share these gifts.