Common Questions About The Church One of the first reactions we often encounter when others learn we are members of the church of Christ is, "Oh, are you the ones who __________?" It is perfectly natural for individuals to ask questions about things, people, or organizations with which they are not familiar, and we appreciate the interest such questions demonstrate. Below, you will find some of the more common questions which we, the members of the Warm Springs Road church of Christ, are asked from time to time. We hope the discussion and answers given will be of the greatest possible help to you. We also encourage you to open your Bible to the references provided, and to personally search and test the material presented (I Thessalonians 5:21-22). 1. "With which denomination are you affiliated?" The Warm Springs Road church of Christ is not affiliated with a denomination. Rather, we are a congregation seeking to be the simple Christians and church one finds in the Bible. Unlike the chaotic and confusing religious landscape seen in 21st century "Christendom", the Bible teaches that Jesus' intention was to have but one united "body", "fold", and "church" of followers (Ephesians 4:1-6; John 10:16; Matthew 16:18). That was certainly the case in early church history, as first century Christianity was marked by a unity which is remarkably different than the denominational world we see today (Acts 2:42-27). Rather than dividing themselves into different parties wearing different names and practicing different things, the early Christians were commanded to be united behind the authority of Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 1:10; Philippians 3:16; Romans 16:17). In light of the clear desire of Christ and the precedent set by the New Testament church, we have no desire to have any denominational ties, politics, and teachings, and are focused solely upon returning to the Bible and doing all things by the authority of our Lord (Matthew 28:18-20; Colossians 3:17). We are not governed by a national board or organization of any kind - we are an autonomous church whose only Head is Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:18). Further, we do not have any denominational creeds, manuals, or disciplines, designed to give us guidance alongside the Bible. Rather, we adhere only to the teachings of Christ as they were revealed through His apostles and prophets in the pages of the New Testament (Acts 2:42; Galatians 1:6-12). 2. "Why the name, 'church of Christ'?" There are at least two answers to that good question. First, that is one of the names by which the church was designated in the New Testament (see Romans 16:16). Second, it is a name which gives respect and honor to Jesus. According to the Bible, the church was built by Jesus (Matthew 16:18), purchased by Jesus (Acts 20:28), and is under the headship of Jesus (Ephesians 1:22-23). In other words, the church belongs to Jesus (Ephesians 5:23-25). Since it belongs to Him, and Him alone, it should certainly wear His name and honor Him! Think of how inappropriate it would be for a married woman to wear the name of any man other than her husband. That is the very reason we wear the name, "church of Christ". 3. "How does someone become a member of the church?" The best way for us to answer that question is to go directly to the Bible -- "if any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God" (I Peter 4:11). In the first century, how did someone become a member of the church of our Lord Jesus Christ? Acts 2:47 states, "And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." To become a member of the church in the first century, one simply had to be saved from sin; for as they were saved, the Lord Himself added them to His church. Likewise, to become a member of the un-denominational church of Christ today, one simply needs to do what the Bible teaches is necessary in order to be saved. There is no joining or voting necessary - if you are a New Testament Christian, God has translated you into the church of His Son (Colossians 1:13). Just what do we mean by saying, "one simply needs to do what the Bible teaches is necessary in order to be saved?" We mean just that - an individual must go to the word of God and obey its teachings regarding salvation. Only Jesus has the words which lead to eternal life (John 6:68), and only He has the right to set the terms for our salvation (Hebrews 5:9). Thus, it is imperative that we do what He says if we want to be truly saved from sin. A careful and thorough study of the New Testament reveals the following necessary steps in becoming a Christian: learning the will of Christ (Romans 10:17), believing in Christ (John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6), repenting from sin to follow Christ (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30), confessing Christ (Romans 10:10; Acts 8:37), and being baptized for the remission of sins which is found in Christ (Acts 2:37-38; Romans 6:3-4). Are these steps different than the prescription commonly presented for salvation today? Yes. If, however, we are willing to set aside our backgrounds, beliefs, and traditions, we will find the scriptures to be very plain on the subject -- "he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16:16). If we may help you in any way, please visit our assembly or contact us by one of the means presented on this site. May the Lord bless you in your efforts to seek His will and obey it.