Disciples Mission Christian Church

About

Disciples Mission Christian Church

Story

What We Believe: Like most Christians, we affirm Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God, all persons are God's children. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion is celebrated in weekly worship. It is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ. We are called together around one essential of faith: belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Persons are free to follow their consciences guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study and prayer, and are expected to extend that freedom to others. In baptism the old self-centered life is set aside, and a new life of trust in God begins. Although we practice baptism by immersion, other baptism traditions are honored. All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service. Both ministers and lay persons lead in worship, service and spiritual growth.

We meet weekly for a church service including Bible study, and include “Sunday School” classes for all ages. Scriptural readings, sacred music, and a religious lesson (or sermon) from our ordained minister (or guest speaker) are included weekly.

Some worship services may be formal, some informal, and include lay women and men in leadership. Open discussion of issues is encouraged. Diversity of opinion is common.

Our congregation is self-governing and calls its own pastor (an ordained minister). Business matters of the organization are handled by a Governing Board. Religious guidance is provided on a regular basis by the ordained minister and the Congregational Board which consists of Elders and Deacons. Elder responsibilities include: administration of communion to members unable to attend weekly services due to medical condition or age, spiritual leadership during services, and religious counseling. Deacons are responsible for administering communion during worship services, spiritual leadership during services, and assistance to the Elders for religious counseling. The Congregational Board reports to the Governing Board on matters relating to the material and physical needs of the congregation, so that material properties and supplies may be addressed.

We meet weekly on Sunday mornings at 9:15 for a church service, including Bible study, followed by Sunday School classes for all ages at 11:00. Scriptural readings, sacred music, and a religious lesson (or sermon) from our ordained minister (or guest speaker) are included in each service. Our church bulletin may be viewed on our web site.

Individuals may become members by simply stating their desire to do so, along with a confession of their faith in the risen Lord, Jesus Christ as their Savior, and an affirmation of that faith through Baptism (if they have not already been Baptized). After a confirming vote by the Governing Board, all member privileges are granted. All members have a right to be included in all Religious services and functions of the church and the right to be considered for a position as a Sunday School teacher. Members (at least 18 years of age) have voting rights including the selection of Elders and Deacons. They also have the right to be elected as an Elder or Deacon, and to be considered for other positions that make decisions for the church.

Our minister is to provide spiritual leadership and guidance for all members of our congregation. He should be ordained, a process usually undertaken after four years of college/university study. The ordination process takes at least one to two additional years of intense religious study, including theological beliefs and Biblical history.

Mission

A group of about 30 members of Central Christian Church (Disciples Of Christ) in Bourbonnais, IL decided to expand the focus of the church outward toward helping the needy in our community. Since this appeared to conflict with the current church’s inward focus, the group decided to form a completely new congregation with a name to reflect this. Led in part by the current Director Of Music Ministry, Thomas H. Elroy, the name Disciples Mission Christian Church was chosen.