Spreading the Word about Disciples

1. Spreading the Word about Disciples • Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) • IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA

2. Two movements - Pennsylvania and Kentucky (early 1800s) • Left rigid denominationalism behind – New Testament model • Christian Church (Stone) and Disciples of Christ (Campbells) united in 1832 “…a movement for wholeness…” We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.

3. By 1906, the Churches of Christ withdrew. • By 1926, the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ began separation and by 1968 separated completely. • Three streams from the original Stone-Campbell (Unity) Movement “…in a fragmented world…” We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.

4. Global Ministries (formerly Foreign Christian Missionary Society - 1875) • Disciples Church Extension Fund (formerly Board of Church Extension) (1883) • National Benevolent Association (1886) • Council on Christian Unity (1910) • Christian Church Foundation (1961) “…we welcome all…” We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.

5. The Design– 1968 Uniting principles Confession of Jesus as Christ, Son of the living God Mission of witness and service to all people Covenant of love binds us to God and one another Baptism brings newness of life “…to the Lord’s Table…” We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.

6. United in covenant and mutual accountability for the sake of mission United at the Lord’s Table and go out into the world “…As part of the one body…” We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.

7. Proclivity to partnerships – a sampling • World Council of Churches • Christian Churches Together • United Church of Christ • National Council of Churches “…As part of the one body…” We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.

9. Disciples Home Missions (DHM) – support for mission within U.S. and Canada Division of Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries – work with partners outside the borders of U.S. and Canada Council on Christian Unity – ecumenical relationships “…As part of the one body…” We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.

10. Disciples Church Extension Fund – Loans to Disciple churches, investments for individuals, consultations for congregations Hope Partnership for Missional Transformation – new church, leadership development, church assessments and transformation Christian Church Foundation – institutional investments and legacy planning “…As part of the one body…” We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.

11. Pension Fund – pensions and health care insurance cooperative for clergy and church employees Disciples of Christ Historical Society – archives of churches and organizations and a historical resource Christian Board of Publication/Chalice Press – books, curriculum “…As part of the one body…” We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.

12. Higher Education and Leadership Ministries – scholarships and leadership activities for college and seminary students National Benevolent Association – facilities and networks for special needs populations; innovative partnerships for care and compassion; XPLOR interns “…As part of the one body…” We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.

13. Other Office of General Minister and President – convenes tables for mission, distributes information, supports General Board, General Assembly, General Commission on Ministry and Disciples Mission Fund “…As part of the one body…” We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.

14. Week of Compassion – fund for disaster relief and long term development Reconciliation Ministry – leads the Church in pro-reconciliation/anti-racism efforts “…As part of the one body…” We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.

15. Center for Faith and Giving – cultivates culture of generosity and stewardship Disciples Center for Public Witness – Washington D.C. based staff; primarily U.S. advocacy on a variety of social justice issues “…As part of the one body…” We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.

16. National Convocation – African American support; staff in OGMP and DHM Central Pastoral Office for Hispanic Ministries – supports Spanish-speaking churches from many cultures North American Pacific/Asian Disciples – supports congregations with 18 different Pacific rim languages “…As part of the one body…” We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.

17. General Assembly • Gather with fellow Disciples in worship • Learn from each other and leading thinkers • Learn what the general ministries are doing on our behalf • Consider business items that speak to the Church “…As part of the one body…” We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.

19. (shameless promotion) July 20-24, 2019 Des Moines, IA

20. How can you explain if you don’t have the words? • How do you get the words and concepts? • How can you reinforce the words and concepts? • How can you convey the concepts to others? Identity issues We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.

21. To help us have the words and concepts • Summary materials of common practices • Short videos with small group and individual guides • Sample sermons and references • Publicity materials and suggestions Materials available We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.

22. Wholeness – the video • What does wholeness mean to you? • Alvin Jackson suggests that “embracing difference” celebrates the dignity of those who are not like us. Where do you see moments of dignity and diversity? • What are the challenges to wholeness? • How is God calling you into greater wholeness? Let’s try it out We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.

23. Go to disciples.org • Click on “Who We Are” • Click on the “Our Identity” drop down • link Where to find it? We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.