The churches of Christ in the Bible were structured quite differently from most modern denominations. This comparison will highlight several key elements, focusing on biblical organization, leadership, worship, doctrine, and unity principles.

1. Organization and Autonomy

  • Biblical Churches of Christ: In the New Testament, churches were autonomous and independent. Each congregation operated under its own eldership and was guided by local shepherds (elders or overseers). This pattern is seen in passages like Acts 14:23, where elders were appointed “in every church,” and Titus 1:5, where Paul instructs Titus to “appoint elders in every town.” Each congregation had its own leadership without a centralized governing body.
  • Modern Denominations: Many denominations today are structured with overarching governing bodies or councils that oversee multiple congregations. This can create a centralized authority that influences doctrine, practices, and decisions. Examples include the hierarchical structures in the Roman Papal church, with the Pope and bishops, and Protestant denominations with presbyteries or synods.

2. Leadership and Shepherding

  • Biblical Churches of Christ: Leadership was primarily vested in the role of elders, who shepherded each local assembly. Elders were expected to meet certain qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:6–9) and were seen as responsible for the spiritual well-being of the congregation. Deacons also served with distinct roles but were not given authority over the congregation as elders were (1 Timothy 3:8–13).
  • Modern Denominations: In many denominations today, church leadership often includes pastors, bishops, or priests. Some denominations also ordain ministers or preachers who may function in a central role but don’t always meet the qualifications required of elders, especially concerning character or household leadership.

3. Worship and Liturgy

  • Biblical Churches of Christ: Worship practices were relatively simple and focused on specific elements: prayer (Acts 2:42), singing (Ephesians 5:19), teaching or preaching the Word (Acts 20:7), breaking of bread (the Lord’s Supper), and the collection of offerings for those in need or the work of the church (1 Corinthians 16:2). Music was exclusively vocal and congregational, with no mention of instruments in worship.
  • Modern Denominations: Many denominations incorporate a variety of worship styles and liturgies. Some include musical instruments, choirs, and intricate rituals not explicitly detailed in the New Testament. Liturgical churches, like Roman Papal and Eastern Orthodox, follow a structured format with elements such as incense, vestments, and prayers to saints, which differ from the simple practices of the early church.

4. Doctrine and Teaching

  • Biblical Churches of Christ: The early church adhered to the apostles’ doctrine as laid down in Scripture (Acts 2:42). The emphasis was on sound doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16) and strict adherence to the teachings of Christ and His apostles. Scripture was the primary authority, and teachings focused on the gospel, repentance, faith, baptism, and Christian living.
  • Modern Denominations: Doctrine varies widely across denominations, with some holding to traditional creeds, catechisms, or doctrinal statements. Some modern teachings—such as infant baptism, predestination as taught in Calvinism, or transubstantiation in the Eucharist—are not found explicitly in the practices of the early church. Many denominations also have added their own traditions and beliefs that may not align strictly with New Testament teaching.

5. Unity and Division

  • Biblical Churches of Christ: Unity among Christians was emphasized strongly (John 17:21; Ephesians 4:4-6). Believers were urged to avoid divisions and maintain one faith, one Lord, and one baptism (Ephesians 4:5). Paul addressed the importance of unity in 1 Corinthians 1:10, urging that there be “no divisions among you.”
  • Modern Denominations: Denominationalism inherently involves division, as it is based on different doctrines, practices, or governance models. Many denominations identify themselves by specific beliefs or practices, often resulting in separations from other groups. This division can contradict the New Testament emphasis on a unified body of Christ.

6. Evangelism and Teaching Method

  • Biblical Churches of Christ: The early church engaged actively in evangelism, aiming to spread the gospel rather than build large institutions. Evangelism was personal and local, and missionaries like Paul, Peter, and others traveled to preach the gospel (Acts 8:4; Acts 11:19-21).
  • Modern Denominations: Some modern denominations focus on large-scale missionary work or incorporate additional teachings to attract larger memberships, sometimes prioritizing growth over doctrinal purity. Evangelism can also be structured differently, with mission boards, funded missions, and activities organized centrally rather than locally.

7. Baptism and Its Role in Salvation

  • Biblical Churches of Christ: Baptism was essential for salvation and entrance into the church. The early church viewed baptism as an immediate, necessary response to faith and repentance, symbolizing the washing away of sins and rebirth into Christ. Passages like Acts 2:38 (“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins”) and Romans 6:3-4 show baptism as a burial with Christ, marking a new life free from sin. Paul also emphasized that baptism unites believers with Christ (Galatians 3:27), and 1 Peter 3:21 describes baptism as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, directly linking it with salvation.
  • Modern Denominations: Many modern denominations do not hold baptism as a requirement for salvation. While some view it as an important sign of faith, others see it as symbolic or as an ordinance for later obedience rather than an immediate response to belief. Some denominations practice infant baptism, which diverges from the practice in the early church, where baptism was based on personal faith and repentance. Views on the purpose of baptism vary widely, with interpretations ranging from covenantal inclusion to symbolic acts of dedication, which contrasts with the New Testament view of baptism as essential for salvation.

8. Obeying the Gospel

  • Biblical Churches of Christ: The concept of “obeying the Gospel” was central in the early church, referring to hearing, believing, repenting, confessing Christ, and being baptized. Obedience to the Gospel was not seen as optional or only intellectual; it was an active response to the message of Christ. Passages like 2 Thessalonians 1:8, which warns that God will “take vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ,” highlight the necessity of obedience. The Gospel itself was presented as a transformative call that demanded a total response—belief coupled with actions such as baptism, faithful living, and participation in the local church.
  • Modern Denominations: The term “obeying the Gospel” is not often emphasized in many modern denominations, where the focus may be more on intellectual assent or faith alone as the means to salvation. In many churches today, the Gospel is viewed as an invitation to believe rather than a call to active obedience that includes specific steps like baptism and repentance. “Obedience” might be considered a step in Christian maturity rather than the initial requirement to enter into salvation. This perspective contrasts with the New Testament pattern, where obedience to the Gospel was seen as the believer’s response to the grace of God.

Conclusion

In essence, the churches of Christ in the New Testament maintained simplicity, local governance, and a high degree of adherence to Scripture. In contrast, many modern denominations have introduced layers of governance, additional doctrines, and complex worship practices. This has led to a divergence from the straightforward organization and worship style that the early church exemplified, as well as to divisions that would not have characterized the original churches of Christ.

The early church’s approach to baptism and Gospel obedience reflects a cohesive doctrine where faith and actions were inseparable in responding to the Gospel. Baptism was not merely a tradition but a defining act that marked entry into the covenant with Christ. Obedience to the Gospel involved a complete commitment and transformation, not merely intellectual acknowledgment. In contrast, many modern denominations emphasize belief over baptism as essential for salvation and may view obedience as secondary or symbolic, resulting in doctrinal shifts that depart from the biblical pattern set forth in the early church.