Common Church Practices
MEMBERSHIP
We practice “open membership,” which basically means that anyone who wants to join can. No one votes on new members! Everyone is welcome! All you have to do is come forward at the end of the service and either confess your faith in Jesus or transfer your membership from another congregation. The only question you will be asked is, “Do you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior?” If your answer is “yes,” then that’s good enough for us.
BAPTISM
Disciples of Christ practice “Believers Baptism,” which means we wait until we believe that the person to be baptized understands the choice he or she is making.
When it comes to persons transferring their membership from another congregation or denomination to our church, we accept their previous baptism. We do not re-baptize persons because we believe that the Holy Spirit’s work in baptism, including those in another denomination, is valid, life-changing and permanent. While we only practice baptism by immersion, we will accept by transfer persons who were baptized by sprinkling.
COMMUNION
Disciples of Christ share communion at every service. For us this is the heart of worship. We do not believe in a magical transformation of the bread and juice (we use grape juice not wine), but that they are symbols of Jesus’ sacrifice. All who embrace Jesus are welcome to take communion.
GOVERNANCE
Although we are a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), we are a self-governing congregation that is led by a local board elected annually by the members of the congregation.
ELDERS
Our church Elders are key lay spiritual leaders--both men and women. They advise the minister on spiritual matters. They care for spiritual and emotional needs of members of the church as well as for the pastor and his/her family. They preside at the Communion Table for Sunday services. They are elected annually by the laity of the church.
DIACONATE
The men and women who serve as Deacons distribute communion on Sunday mornings and help out on many other ways. They are elected each year.
CABINET
The Church Cabinet is comprised of the heads of most of the church’s committees and organizations. The Cabinet is responsible for coordinating the programming of the many departments of the church. The Senior Minister chairs the Cabinet.
DOWNLOADABLE DOCUMENTS
Click Here to download a copy of the Church Constitution
Click Here to download a copy of the Church Bylaws