About Chesterfield Christian Church

We are a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and have been part of the Chesterfield community for more than one hundred years. Our beliefs include faithfulness to a loving, creative and compassionate God; salvation through faith in Jesus Christ; and the continuing revelation and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

As Disciples, we are congregationally governed, affirming the importance and leadership of laity. We elect Elders, Deacons, Trustees and other officers to lead the work of the congregation. We call our own Ministers and Staff to lead worship, education and other ministries, and to provide pastoral care within the church family and beyond.

Our worship is traditional, seasoned at times by some of the wonderful contemporary Christian music found throughout the church. We observe the Lord's Supper every week, with the Elders of the church presiding at the Table. Since we believe that the invitation to communion was truly extended by Christ Himself, we welcome all believers to participate in communion, regardless of church of denominational affiliation. The Disciples' most distinctive symbol, the chalice, reflects our emphasis upon communion.

We have a variety of ways in which to participate in the life and ministries of the church. There are active fellowship groups for women, men, senior adults, youth and children. Our puppet ministry shares a lively and colorful witness through the community. The sharing of all kinds of musical talents is encouraged. A number o projects and programs, like the Annual Fish Fry or The Fall Bazaar, involve the entire congregation.

The congregation has long felt a deep sense of responsibility to the Chesterfield community. A number of community programs and activities have roots in the outreach ministries of the church, and the church building itself is regularly used by non-church groups.

In its long history the congregation has experienced both times of struggle and times of prosperity. Through it all, men and women of faith have stood firm in the belief that God has called us to be witnesses and servants of the Gospel to this community. Thus we live as a people of hope, dedicated to the mission and the ministry of the church.
 

MEMBERSHIP

As early as the Second Century, the Christian church had established teachings to prepare new converts for the life in the church. The doctrinal instructions lasted from three months to three years and were designed as a safeguard to protect the church from wolves in sheep's clothing. These new disciples were expected to live out the teaching of the scriptures and exemplify a godly lifestyle before they were admitted into the fellowship of the church.

At Chesterfield Christian we believe it is a sacred and important decision for a person to make the confession, "I am a Christian." It is equally as important to declare, "This is my church where the Lord has planted me." Relationships, worked out in the context of the local church, validate the reality of our faith.