Who Are We?
What is the University church of Christ?
Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior (John 14:6). Before He was crucified, Jesus said, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18, NKJV). There is one body of saved people that belongs to Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:4). As the apostle Paul points out, “Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body” (5:23). Sinners are saved when they believe the gospel, turn from their sins, confess Christ, and are baptized into Christ for the remission of their sins (cf. Mark 16:15-16; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:37-38). When they are saved, the Lord adds them to His church (Acts 2:41, 47).
Who Are We?
The Holy Spirit guided the apostles of Christ in carrying His saving message to the world (John 14:26; 15:26-27; 16:13). As the message of Christ spread in the days of the apostles, people who believed and obeyed the gospel were added to the one body of Christ (Acts 5:14; 11:24). These saved people then formed local churches wherever they lived, banding together to work and worship the Lord. While there was only one body of saved people belonging to Christ, there were many local churches, composed of these saved people, meeting in various parts of the world (cf. Acts 9:31; 16:5; Galatians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:14; Revelation 1:11). These groups of saved people meeting in various locations were referred to as “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16).
As the same gospel continues to reach the hearts of people today, the same process continues to unfold. When the original seed is planted, the same results are produced (1 Peter 1:22-25). The University church of Christ, which began meeting in the Athens, Georgia area in 2020, is a group of people who have been purchased by the shed blood of Christ (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 1:18-20). Just as the disciples were called “Christians” in the days of the apostles, so it is that we wear the same name today (Acts 11:26).
Who is Our Authority?
We are determined to follow Christ, the head of the church, in all that we believe, teach, and practice (Colossians 1:18). He has all authority (Matthew 28:18). We are responsible for submitting to His authority in all things (Colossians 3:17). We are neither “Catholic,” “Orthodox,” nor “Protestant.” We are not obligated to any pope, patriarch, council, synod, convention, or conference. We have no interest in belonging to any of the numerous denominational traditions and bodies created by men, since we are determined to follow the “pattern of sound words” which was established by the Lord and His apostles (2 Timothy 1:13). This pattern of sound words is preserved in the New Testament, which is our only guide in what is practiced by the church under the new covenant of Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:26-28; John 8:31-32; 12:48).
What is Our Mission?
According to the New Testament, each local church is given the same set of instructions to carry out (cf. Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 4:16-17). The work assigned to the local church is as follows:
- Preaching the gospel to convince, rebuke, and exhort (1 Thessalonians 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:2).
- Spiritually strengthening the members of the church through the teaching of God’s word, through collective worship, and through correction of sin (Ephesians 4:14-16; 1 Corinthians 14:26; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15).
- Relieving needy members (1 Corinthians 16:1-4; Romans 15:25-26).
Many religious groups have adopted a “social gospel” which is focused on catering to the physical and social desires of the community while man’s greatest needs, his spiritual needs, go unattended. However, the true mission assigned by Christ is one that is focused on the salvation of the soul (cf. 1 Timothy 1:15; 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Peter 1:9).
What Can You Expect?
The University church of Christ assembles each first day of the week to worship God. When you visit our assemblies you can expect a warm welcome, since we honor visitors as our guests. It is important to understand that the Lord only accepts worship that is offered in harmony with His instruction. Jesus said, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). We endeavor to do all things “decently and in order” and without confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40). In keeping with what is prescribed by the word of God, our worship includes the following:
-We observe the Lord’s Supper to remember the death of Christ (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
-We offer fervent prayers (Acts 2:42; 1 Timothy 2:1-4).
-We sing hymns without the unauthorized accompaniment of instruments (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).
-We preach the word of God (Acts 11:25-26; 1 Corinthians 14:26).
-We take a collection from the members, who give as they have prospered, so that the work of this local church can continue (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:7).
We do not solicit our visitors for money. The weekly contribution is the responsibility of the members of the church.
What Do You Need to Do?
Do you need to become a Christian? According to the New Testament, the process is simple:
- Hear the word of God (Romans 10:17);
- Believe the word of God (John 8:24);
- Repent of your sins (Acts 17:30);
- Confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Romans 10:9-10);
- Be baptized into Christ for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-6).
If you have any questions, or if you would like to meet to study the Bible in person, please contact us. We believe a Bible question deserves a Bible answer!
--David Dann