WHAT WE BELIEVE

We Believe the Bible

No fancy theology here!   We believe that all things, especially in reference to spiritual things, are guided by Biblical command, example, or necessary inference.

As followers of Christ, we believe that "All Scripture is breathed out by God",  (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and that makes the Bible unlike any other book on Earth. It can be used by mankind to govern every aspect of life, because a "The way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps." (Jeremiah 10:23). We believe every word of the Bible is true, and that the New Testament is the complete and final revelation of God as given through His Son and chosen apostles (Heb. 1:1-2; Jude 3). The Old Testament, while also divinely inspired and historically accurate, is not binding under the New Covenant in Christ (unless commands are repeated in the New Testament.) (Hebrews 8: 7–13). They believe that the New Testament demonstrates how a person may become a Christian (and thus part of the universal church of Christ), and how a church should be collectively organized and carry out its scriptural purposes.

When Christ established His church in the first century it was not divided into different denominations, but was "one body" that practiced "one faith" (Ephesians 4:4-6). Our goal is to be simply "Christians."  As the church which Christ has "obtained with His own blood," our mission is to teach others to observe all Christ has commanded with boldness and humility (Acts 20:28; Matthew 28:19-20)  Despite being influenced by the 19th Century Restoration Movement, members of the Church of Christ do not consider themselves as a new church or denomination originating near the beginning of the 19th century.  Rather, we seek "the unification of all Christians in a single body patterned after the original church described in the New Testament."   Churches of Christ are independent Christian congregations linked with one another through common beliefs and practices. 

Core Beliefs and Practices

• The Bible as Sole Authority: God’s word is the only absolute source of truth. (John 17:17) Scripture is treated as the infallible guide for faith and practice, rejecting human creeds or official denominational handbooks. We seek to follow the teachings of the Bible as the only source to find doctrine. We commonly see the Bible as historically authentic and accurate, unless the written context clearly designates differently. Members of the Churches of Christ believe that Jesus founded only one church, that the current divisions among Christians (denominations) do not express God's will, and that the only basis for restoring Christian unity is the Bible.  

• A Cappella Music: Worship services feature congregational singing without the use of mechanical musical instruments. Acapella singing is the only music utilized in worship. This singing, unaccompanied by instrumental music, corresponds to the music used in the Biblical church and for numerous centuries thereafter (Ephesians 5:19.) 

• Full Immersion Baptism by Consenting Believers:  Being born again begins with faith in Jesus Christ. It also includes repentance from sin, a public confession that Jesus is Lord, and culminates in immersion in water for the forgiveness of sins (John 3:3-5; Acts 16:29-34; 22:16; Romans 6:3-4). We believe that although we can do nothing to earn our salvation, God has set conditions we must abide by in order to be saved.(1 Peter 1:22) That these conditions are:  Believe that Jesus is the son of God (John 3:17,18)  Repent of our sins (Acts 2:38)  Confess (acknowledge) Jesus as the Son of God (Matthew 10:32) Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. (Acts 22:16.) Baptism by water immersion is considered a necessary step for the forgiveness of sins and salvation, rather than just an outward symbol (Acts 2:38). Baptism is not a human work; it is the place where God does the work that only God can do.

• Weekly Communion: The Lord's Supper (communion) using unleavened bread and fruit of the vine is observed every Sunday. During this memorial, plates containing pieces of unleavened bread will be passed throughout the congregation (1 Corinthians 11:23-24). The bread represents the body of Jesus. The “fruit of the vine” symbolizes the blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:25).

Organization and Leadership

• New Testament Example: We believe that the New Testament has given us God’s pattern for the organization, work, and worship of the church.  There is no man, or group of men, or who legislate for the church.  The organization of the church of Christ follows the simple pattern given in the New Testament.  Jesus Christ is the only Head of the church (Ephesians   1:22,23;  Colossians 1:18).  The headquarters of the church of Christ is in Heaven where the Head, Jesus Christ, is (Acts 1:9-11; 2:30-33).  Christians in each community meet  together to worship and serve God (Acts 20:6,7;  I Corinthians 1:1,2).  Each local church of Christ is self-governing under Jesus Christ, the Head. 

• Autonomous Congregations: Following the design of structure found in the New Testament, churches of Christ are autonomous (self-governing.) Their collective faith in the Bible and adherence to its teachings are the main bonds which connect them together. There is no central headquarters, regional hierarchy, governing body, or overarching president, and no organization superior to the elders of each local congregation. 

• Local Governance: In each congregation, which has endured long enough to become sufficiently organized, there is a plurality of elders or pastors (or overseers or bishops) who serve as the governing authority. These men are chosen by the local congregations on the foundation of qualifications established in the scriptures (I Timothy 3:1-8). Our preachers are not "pastors" (unless they meet the qualifications and are so appointed) but are simply teachers of the gospel. Ministers, preachers, teachers, and evangelists or missionaries serve under the elders.

• Membership in the church: All baptized believers are added to the church by God himself. Acts 2:41 We believe that one is added to Christ’s church by the grace of God only after he or she repents (turns away) from their sins, publicly confesses Jesus Christ as the Son of God and has his/her sins washed away by the blood of Jesus by being buried with Him (immersed) in the waters of baptism and subsequently being raised up with Him to a new and eternal spiritual life. Eph. 5:23; 1:20,21; Col. 2:12-13; Gal. 3:26-27.

• Membership in our congregation: Eastside is a welcoming place, and we are open for all to hear the message of Jesus Christ. But sermons and Sunday mornings alone don’t make us a church. Our church is a community. But what does that look like? It looks like a family… and it feels like home. We always welcome guests and regular attenders! But we also have members. Members are those who have made the intentional decision to belong to our fellowship, and know that they’re connected.