Christian Churches and Churches of Christ (Independent / Instrumental)
Conservative instrumental wing of the Restoration Movement cooperating through the NACC
Christian Churches and Churches of Christ (Independent) comprise the conservative, instrumental wing of the Restoration Movement that separated from the Disciples of Christ between 1926 and 1971 in protest against theological liberalism, open communion, and denominational restructuring, retaining instrumental music in worship while staunchly preserving local church autonomy.
Historical Context & Significance
Cooperating through the North American Christian Convention (NACC, now Spire Network), independent mission agencies (CBM), and institutions like Cincinnati Christian University and Ozark Christian College, they formally requested separate listing in the US Yearbook of American Churches in 1971.
Genealogical Lineage & Splits
American Restoration Movement
The American Restoration Movement (or Stone-Campbell Movement) arose on the American frontier in the early 19th century, led by Barton W. Stone, Thomas Campbell, Alexander Campbell, and Walter Scott, seeking the visible unity of all Christians by restoring the simple faith, order, and ordinances of the primitive New Testament church, under the watchwords: 'Where the Scriptures speak, we speak; where the Scriptures are silent, we are silent' and 'In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity'.
Separated in 1926 ADTheological & Hermeneutical Coordinates
Primary Scripture Proof-Texts
Key biblical passages central to this tradition's exegesis and historical debates.
Connected Theological Perspectives & Debates
Universal orthodox agreement across all historic branches that baptism is commanded by Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19) as the initiatory rite of Christian discipleship involving the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Unanimous Christian consensus that corporate vocal praise of psalms, canticles, and spiritual songs with gratitude in the heart to God is an indispensable element of Christian worship.
Universal confession that the Lord's Supper is a divine ordinance instituted by Christ the night He was betrayed, proclaiming His atoning death until He comes.
Universal agreement that authentic salvation produces genuine love, obedience, and good works, and that dead, hypocritical faith cannot save.
Universal acknowledgment that God is sovereign, omniscient, and that election is a clear biblical doctrine rooted in God's eternal purpose.
Agreement across traditions that endurance in holiness and faith is the mark of authentic discipleship, and that persistent unrepentant sin leads to destruction.
Universal confession that Jesus Christ is the supreme Head of the Church, and that local congregations require pastoral leadership, godly teaching, and spiritual oversight.
Universal confession that the Holy Spirit sovereignly distributes spiritual gifts to the body of Christ for mutual edification and fruitfulness.
Universal historic creedal consensus that Jesus Christ will return bodily in glory to judge the living and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end.
Universal confession that the Old Testament ceremonial sacrifices find complete fulfillment and termination in the atoning death of Jesus Christ.
Universal confession that men and women possess equal dignity, worth, and spiritual standing as image-bearers of God and co-heirs of the grace of life in Christ.
Universal confession that Christians are called to love their enemies, pray for persecutors, and respect civil authorities as established under God's providence.
Universal acknowledgment that all accountable human beings sin and fall short of the glory of God and need redemption through Jesus Christ.
Universal confession that the Holy Spirit indwells every true Christian and empowers the church to bear witness to Jesus Christ.
Universal agreement that corporate worship, rest from worldly labor, and spiritual rejuvenation are vital practices commanded by God.
Universal confession that adult converts from paganism or unbelief must make a conscious profession of repentance and faith before receiving baptism.
Universal confession that the church is called to holiness and that persistent, unrepentant scandalous sin requires pastoral confrontation and correction.
Universal confession that worship (*latreia*) belongs to God alone and that gross physical idols of false gods are strictly abhorred.
Universal confession that the original Twelve Apostles and Paul held an unrepeatable historical role in witnessing Christ's resurrection and authoring inspired scripture.