who we are

We are a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a denomination of about 700,000 members in the U.S. and Canada in 3,700 congregations. We do not have a formal creed but welcome all who believe in and seek to follow Christ.

The Disciples have a long heritage of openness to other Christian traditions stressing unity as demonstrated in one of its guiding principles laid out in the three-page Declaration and Address by Thomas Campbell, “That the church of Christ upon earth is essentially, intentionally and constitutionally one.” This idea of unity coupled with a call to return to the New Testament church provided fertile ground for a reformation challenging institutional religion and its need for human creeds and doctrinal tests of faith. The movement focused on the centrality of Jesus in their faith and recognizing the authority of scripture in their lives.

At the local level and beyond, Christian Churches are frequently involved in cooperative and ecumenical work. Our religious, educational and charitable endeavors are now worldwide. We are committed to an informed, reasonable and personal approach to faith. Diversity is a hallmark of our churches, yet we affirm the essential unity of all Christians. Our vision is to be a faithful, growing church that demonstrates true community, deep Christian spirituality, and a passion for justice. There is something very special about Fairhope Christian Church. The Lord is certainly in this place!

what we believe

As Disciples of Christ we believe:

That Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God and we proclaim him Lord and Savior of the world.

That the Bible is the revelation of God and is authoritative for instruction for our lives.

In sharing the bread and cup each time we gather as a community of believers.

Baptism by immersion for the remission of sin.

Each person has the ability and responsibility for interpreting scripture and through study and discussion can find inspiration and truth for their lives.

In the unity of all Christians in body, and spirit as we seek the wholeness that comes from a committed and dedicated relationship with God and each other.

 

the chalice

The chalice bearing the X-shaped Cross of Saint Andrew became a symbol of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1969. The chalice symbolizes the centrality of the Lord’s Supper as well as the cup of Christian self-giving to the world. The Cross of Saint Andrew, the national cross of Scotland, focuses our attention on our Scottish Presbyterian roots and reminds us of where the restoration movement first gained momentum. Saint Andrew has been identified with the laity and evangelism, prominent emphases of the Disciples of Christ over the years.