During his ministry, Jesus Christ promised to build his church (Matt. 16:18). With this promise, Jesus made spiritual use of a term that had previously referred to a secular gathering of people to accomplish a set purpose. The church is a divinely called assembly of people in the service of Christ. Those who are saved by obedience to the truth are also added to the church (Acts 2:47). From its beginning at Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts 2, the church spread through Judea into Samaria, and into the rest of the world (Acts 1:8; Col. 1:23).

At each place where the gospel is preached and people are saved from their sins, a local congregation or church is formed. Early New Testament churches included Jerusalem, Antioch, Thessalonica, Athens, Corinth, Rome, etc. Collectively, these are known as the “churches of Christ” (Rom. 16:16). In a given region or larger town there are often numerous churches (Gal. 1:2). In the New Testament, these churches were not differing denominations with various doctrines. Each congregation had its own overseers and deacons (Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23), but all were to follow the headship of Jesus Christ (Eph. 5:23).

Many years after the formation of Jesus' church, men began to make changes in church organization, worship, and even the essential steps to salvation. The New Testament writers had clearly warned that such would take place (Acts 20:30; 2 Tim. 4:3-4). Several centuries after the time of Christ, some of the churches were so changed as to scarcely resemble the original pattern
(2 Tim. 1:13). This development was a drastic departure from the Lord's plan for his church (Jn. 17:20 -21). To depart from the true teaching of Christ is to leave God's favor and fellowship (2 Jn. 9).

Through the years churches of Christ have made it their goal to restore and practice New Testament Christianity in its purity and simplicity. We have no creed but the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16 -17) and no head except Christ (Col. 1:18). Love for the Lord, the truth, and lost souls, drives us in our quest to save others and strengthen the church. We do not seek to promote the cause of any man, but the eternal purpose of Christ (Eph. 3:10 -11). If you would like to talk with someone more about the churches of Christ, please see our contact page.