What is the Bible? We believe that the Bible is the account of God's action in the world and his purpose with all creation. The writing of the Bible took place over sixteen centuries and is the work of over forty human authors. It is a quite amazing collection of 66 books with very different styles all containing the message God desired us to have. This compilation of works contains an astonishing variety of literary styles. It provides many stories about the lives of good and bad people, about battles and journeys, about the life of Jesus along with letters written to groups of Christians that met in homes. It comes to us in narratives and dialogues, in proverbs and parables, in songs and allegories, in history and prophecy. For more information about the Bible, check out the International Bible Society at IBS.org! Back to Top
	What do Christians mean when they say that the Bible is inspired? Most Christians believe that the Bible is inspired, but not nearly everyone is clear as to what that means. The Bible itself says in 2 Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."(NIV) Did you catch that word "God-breathed"? That's the biblical term to describe what is meant by the inspiration of God's Word. But how did God "breathe", that is, just how did he give the writers of the Bible his message? The human writers provided God's message in terms of their own personalities and historical circumstances, and yet they transmit the message fully and exactly as God desired. So we can call this view of inspiration "dynamic", as well as "verbal" (extending to the very words of the writer) and "plenary" (meaning that the Bible is fully and totally inspired.) For more information about the Bible, check out the International Bible Society at IBS.org! Back to Top
	How did the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) begin? The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was founded in the United States in the early 1800's. Seeking to move beyond denominational disagreements, the founders envisioned a united church of Jesus Christ modeled on the New Testament. Some of those early Discples' leaders were Thomas Campbell, Alexander Campbell, and Barton Stone. Back to Top
	What will I have to believe to be a Disciple? Disciples are called together around one essential of faith: belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Persons are free to follow their consciences guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study, and prayer, and are expected to extend that freedom to others. Back to Top
	What does it mean to be part of a Disciples' church? Although each Disciples congregation has its own personality, all have members who care for each other, opportunities to grow and learn, and ways to serve others. As churches grow in true community, members care deeply for one another. But true community also means reaching out to include others encouraging the growth of a diverse community in which all are welcomed and cared for. At First Christian Church, study and fellowship groups offer opportunities to ask honest questions, share opinions and discover ways to deal with life's difficult issues and to grow in faith. We believe that within the whole family of God on earth, the church appears wherever believers in Jesus the Christ are gathered in His name. Transcending all barriers within the human family, the one church manifests itself in ordered communities bound together for worship, fellowship, and service; in varied structures for mission, witness, and mutual accountability; and for the nurture and renewal of its members. The nature of the church, given by Christ, remains constant through the generations, yet in faithfulness to its nature, it continues to discern God's vision and to adapt its mission and structures to the needs of a changing world. All dominion in the church belongs to Jesus, its Lord and head, and any exercise of authority in the church on earth stands under His judgment. Back to Top
	How many Disciples churches are there? Today there are nearly 3,800 congregations in the United States that share these characteristics: Each congregation is self-governing and calls its own pastor. Worship services may be formal or informal, and include lay women and men in leadership. Elders and deacons serve along side the pastor in giving spiritual leadership in the church. Open discussion of issues is encouraged and diversity of opinion is welcomed. Back to Top
	Do Disciples' churches support missionaries? Disciples overseas ministries stretch around the world. With partner churches we tell the Good News, help dig wells, train pastors, immunize children and much more. We also help persons in times of natural disaster, economic upheaval and war. Back to Top
	Why do the Disciples of Christ use a red chalice as a symbol? The chalice symbolizes the central place of communion in worship for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The X-shaped cross of the disciple Andrew is a reminder of the ministry of each person and the importance of evangelism. Back to Top
	What is the Christian life? Christian spirituality is a way of life that relates who and what we are to who and what God is as revealed in Jesus Christ and as experienced through the Holy Spirit. We encourage one another in the spiritual disciplines, practices through which we open ourselves to being shaped by God. Those disciplines include prayer, Bible study, worship, stewardship, service, and hospitality to strangers. Our spiritual development ministries range from teaching children to love Jesus to helping adults live Christ-like lives. Back to Top
	Who can receive communion at FCC? The Lord's Supper, or Communion is celebrated in weekly worship. It is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ. Back to Top
	What is Baptism? In baptism the old self-centered life is set aside, and a new life of trust in God begins. Although Disciples practice baptism by immersion, other baptism traditions are honored. Back to Top
	Does FCC work with other denominations? We believe that all Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service. Back to Top
	Who can be a minister at FCC? At FCC, everyone is a minister! We believe that everyone has a place for ministry in the church, and all are able to lead in worship, service and spiritual growth. Back to Top
	What is the relationship that FCC shares with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)? Congregations constitute the primary expression of the community of faith within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Through congregations, individuals are brought to the saving grace of Christ, baptized into the Body of Christ, nurtured in their faith, and gather at the Lord's Table. Joined in discipleship, congregations partner with their regions and the general ministries of the church to share the good news from their doorsteps to the ends of the earth. Back to Top