Our Beliefs and Practices


Ridglea Christian Church is a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a denomination rooted in an American frontier movement focused on Christian unity and a return to the practices of the early church as described in the Bible.


Welcome Statement

At Ridglea Christian Church, we welcome and affirm the gifts of the diverse human family. We profess a faith that transcends racial, ethnic, and national boundaries that often divide our world, and we commit ourselves to the work of reconciliation. We make space for different biblical interpretations and theological understandings, different ages and abilities, different sexual orientations and gender identities, different passions and political opinions. Like the earliest disciples, we come from varied backgrounds but we’re drawn together by a desire to follow Jesus.

 

None of us are perfect, and when we fall short of our shared ideals we strive to extend to one another the grace that God extends to us. Being the church means choosing a life in community together, and it can be messy and beautiful all at once. If you are looking for a spiritual home where you are loved as the unique person God created you to be, we hope that you find it here.


Want to learn more about the Disciples of Christ?

Visit www.disciples.org for information and resources related to our denomination.


Our Core Beliefs

No Creed but Christ

The only statement of belief required for membership in the church is "I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the Living God, and I accept him as Lord and Savior." Though we affirm that historic creeds and statements of faith may help people articulate their beliefs, we do not use them as a "test of fellowship" for participation in the life of the church.

Open Communion

The Lord's Supper (also called communion or the Eucharist) is celebrated weekly in our worship. Ridglea welcomes all who accept Christ's invitation to the table to participate. This means that anyone, no matter what age, no matter your membership, no matter your history, you are welcome to join in communion with us; you are invited to be fed each week. 


The Oneness of the Church

All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service. Ridglea continually looks for ways we can work together with others, in authentic relationship, and in sustainable and dignity giving work. We love partnering with different denominations, traditions, and institutions.



Freedom of Belief

As Disciples, we are called together around two essentials of faith: a belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and that Christians are free to follow their conscience guided by Bible study, the Holy Spirit, and prayer. We are expected to extend that freedom to others. We encourage you to study, interpret, and wrestle with difficult beliefs and texts in order to better understand. We want to learn from each other. 

Baptism by Immersion

In baptism, the old self-centered life is washed away and a new life of trust in God begins. Although Disciples practice believer's baptism by immersion (baptizing someone under the water when they are old enough to choose to do so), we accept and honor other forms of baptism.

Ministry of Believers

Both ministers and lay persons lead in worship, service, and spiritual growth. Our tradition includes ordained clergy set aside for particular leadership roles, lay leadership is a core component of every Disciple congregation. We believe while clergy have intentionally taken time to study and be leaders of the church, all of us have equal access to God. We are all called to spread the good news.