What is the History of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)?
In Frontier America, the desire for freedom that led to the American Revolution was also felt in religion. American settlers searched for simplicity and unity. They searched for a new approach that would free them from European church structures, which didn’t meet America’s needs. In 1804, Presbyterian minister Barton W. Stone and several followers broke their denominational ties to enter into unity with “the body of Christ at large.” They called themselves, simply “Christian.” In 1811, Alexander Campbell began public debates which, along with his writing, propelled him into leadership of the “Disciples of Christ.” In 1832, the “Christians” and the “Disciples of Christ” joined together with a formal handshake. They agreed on basic beliefs and aims. An important belief then and now is that people shouldn’t be forced to put their faith in creeds but only in Jesus Christ. They also believed that Christians should be in unity rather than divided.
