Significant Issues

We are committed to the ideal of the restoration of New Testament Christianity. In seeking to follow apostolic faith and practice, we believe the Scriptures contain a pattern for the church, which determines how we should worship, what we should teach, the service we should provide, and how the congregation should be organized. Using today's terminology, we are a "conservative" church.

Of first importance is that we should be a sincerely loving church family. "And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men" (I Thessalonians 3:12). We want this love to show itself in friendship and kindness, in weeping and rejoicing, and in encouraging one another in the Christian life. An attitude of kindness, thoughtfulness, and love should also be shown to those who are outside the church. Our opposition to sin and error should never appear to be arrogant, hateful or uncaring. Every person, both in the church and out, should be respected as a soul for whom Christ died.

There are certain issues, positions and practices which are often of concern as people come to present day churches of Christ. The following points are intended to clarify some typical issues. Of course these are not the only issues of importance, but these are some about which people are often concerned. Further explanation on these and other points can be provided as needed.

• We believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible and inerrant word of God. This includes acceptance of the Genesis account of creation and rejection of contrary theories.

• We believe in the amazing grace of God which has provided pardon for our sins through the blood of Jesus. We know we are not perfect as a church or as individuals. We strive to please God to the best of our ability and trust his grace to save us. This is not say that grace covers disobedience, hypocrisy or rebellion, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (I John 1:7). 

• None should be recognized as members of the Lord's church except those who as penitent believers have been baptized in order to be saved, according to biblical teaching.

• We are committed to fellowship and cooperation with other faithful churches of Christ. At the same time we realize that some congregations are moving away from scriptural practices. We do not endorse participation in questionable activities nor those congregations which sponsor them. At the same time we realize that there are differences in judgment over what is expedient.

• We believe in cooperation among congregations to support worthy works in evangelism and benevolence, such as homes for needy children (i.e., Southeastern Children's Home).

• There are five avenues of worship: Singing, praying, giving, preaching, communion. (Communion only on the Lord's Day.) We encourage modest dress and orderly conduct in the worship assembly.

• No instruments of music are allowed in worship. We do not allow what is sometimes defined as "praise teams" to lead the song service. Neither do choirs have a place in our worship gatherings. (This is not to say that a chorus or other group might never encourage us with their singing at times other than in the Lord's Day worship.)

• Only men lead in our worship assemblies. Women teach children and other women and have various other responsibilities in the work of the church.

• The elders are the overseers of the congregation and, under Christ, have authority to direct the church. The deacons have delegated responsibilities, serving under the elders.

• The only true church is the one which follows the New Testament pattern. The church of Christ is not a denomination and all denominations are in various ways contrary to the will of God. We are not in fellowship with denominations. We neither receive nor grant transfers of membership to and from denominations. We do not participate in interdenominational programs. This is not to say, however, that we will not cooperate in the exchange of information in matters of common interest, such as community benevolent needs.

• We are not rigid regarding translations, though we urge caution in the use of some of the newer ones. We ask that the King James Version, New King James Version, American Standard Version, or the New American Standard Bible be used in class and worship presentations.

• The only Scriptural justification for divorce and marriage to another is when one is the innocent person in a divorce caused by the fornication of his or her mate. Faithful Christians who are victims of broken marriages and those who are scripturally divorced and remarried are to be accepted and encouraged.

• Anyone who practices homosexuality or other immoral conduct has no place in the fellowship of the church.

• We do not accept the so-called charismatic movement. We find no Bible justification for the fad of "holding up hands" in worship.

• We do not desire an unnecessarily negative emphasis and we do not want to seem obsessed with brotherhood issues and problems, but we do not hesitate to take a stand as needed.

• We are not in agreement with those who are promoting an agenda of change for the church, sometimes called "change agents". We want to be progressive in our works, but biblically conservative in doctrine and practice.

• While it is a severe measure, and while it has sometimes been neglected, we believe the church should practice corrective discipline even to the point of withdrawing fellowship when necessary.

• Human beings differ in their viewpoints and opinions. It is unreasonable to expect that every person's private notions will be in agreement. We recognize, therefore, that there may be differences of opinion, that some may be less informed than others, and that some hold personal issues of conscience. It is expected, however, that such things should not be urged upon others so as to create problems in the church. Our attitude should be: "In matters of faith, unity; in matters of opinion, liberty; and in all things charity."

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Church of Christ  339 Charlotte Ave.  Rock Hill  SC.  29730
Church Office: 803 327-7853    Update Line: 803 327-4085

Sunday Classes 9:30 AM. (Classes for all ages)
Sunday Morning Worship, 10:30 AM.
Sunday Evening Worship, 6:00 PM.
Wednesday Classes, 7:00 PM.