I am not sure where I stand politically; are Disciples liberal or conservative? |
Disciples as a nearly 200 year old tradition is individualistic and independent. That means that in every gathering, whether of 2 or 2000 people, there will be independent individuals of many different personal convictions. As an essential ethos, Disciples uphold the right and necessity of each individual to freely grapple with faith and life issues.
Additionally, each local group or congregation is completely independent, and regional and central organizations within the Disciples are also independent. So even when individual pastors, teachers, and believers may vocalize their personal beliefs, they speak only for themselves. Individual beliefs, even when articulated from individuals holding positions of organizational prominance, should not be confused to override the essential independent ethos of the Disciples. |
Where do the Disciples stand on sexuality? |
The Disciples are a tradition that strongly endorses personal faith. The movement was founded on the trust individuals could and should make decisions for themselves based on reflection, study of Jesus' life and teaching, and independent grappling with life and social issues. The Disciples welcome all people into this completely individual faith journey and encourage love, non-judgment, and the promise of grace and growth for all who come to Christ. Regardless of personal convictions, Jesus has placed on all believers the difficult task of being loving and non-judgemental. Sexuality is not exempt.
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I work in management, and I am female. Will this conflict with exploring Christian faith? |
Disciples believe faith is not a one-day-a-week event. God is as present during your professional life as during a religious ceremony. God created you uniquely, with unique skills and abilities, and the Disciples believe you are free to live as God created.
Disciples have a strong historic tradition of valuing, educating and equipping men and women for leadership and ordaining either for the vocation of minister. The office of General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is currently held by Rev. Sharon Watkins. |
I was baptized as a child in a different Christian tradition. Does that count? |
Disciples do practice the Biblical tradition of baptizing individuals who choose faith for themselves. However, if you are satisfied with your previous baptism situation, most Disciples' churches will honor the baptism of your previous faith tradition. Many newcomers to the Disciples' churches do prefer to celebrate their choice of pursuing faith with a baptism, which is also likely to be honored in the local congregation.
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What is communion? |
Communion is the practice of sharing bread and wine/ juice to remember Jesus. Jesus taught and lived love and sacrifice. As he was sharing his final meal, he used bread and wine to illustrate that his sacrifice were as necessary to us spiritually as food and drink are to us physically.
Communion is a widely-practiced Christian tradition that was and still is often restricted to a members-only rite in some Christian expressions. However, the Disciples originally differentiated themselves by recognizing that everyone is welcome to participate in remembering Jesus' love and sacrifice. Everyone is entitled to share in the ultimately giving and sacrificial nature of God. |
