It is the collective reference to the people of God in the world - people who follow the New Testament teaching regarding the church. The Church of Christ is the church which Jesus Christ built, Christ himself being the chief corner stone (Eph: 2:19-22). The church began in Acts chapter 2 on the day of Pentecost. The church is not a building of wood and stone, but a living building made up of many
members who are obedient to the commands of Christ (1 Peter 2:5-10). God blesses each member and desires us to use our possessions and talents to help the congregation we are a part of to grow, both in number and spiritually
(1 Cor. 12:12-26). The scriptures refer to the church by several acceptable names. However in Romans 16:16 the church was referred to as "churches of Christ". In other words the churches which belong to Christ, our Lord and Master (Matt. 23:10). Our only leader is Jesus Christ; through His example and teachings recorded in the scriptures for us. The Bible is our only guide. Elders and Deacons are chosen in each congregation, if qualified men are available (1 Tim. 3:1-13). These men serve and over see the local congregation under the guidance of the scriptures. No organization of men above the elders makes decisions for this congregation. All joint works between the congregations of the churches of Christ are decided by the individual congregations.
