Title of Local Congregation

Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.
          Romans 16:16


To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
          1 Corinthians 1:2


Now Saul was consenting to his death.
At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
          Acts 8:1

There are many different names worn on the buildings used as places of worship. The title often serves as a notification as to what type of ‘Christian’, or religious group, meets at the location. “CHURCH OF CHRIST” is a common one used for non-denominational, scripture-only-based churches, such as ourselves here at Glencoe.

That title/descriptor is a valid and scriptural title for a local congregation. It can help to notify visitors that this is a scriptural church following biblical teachings. Of course, the title does not make the church. There can be ‘churches of Christ’ that are not following God’s word. It is the teachings and practice that decides if a group is worshiping properly.

While calling a congregation a church of Christ is valid (Romans 16:16) it is not the only valid name/title/descriptor. As seen in the above verses from 1 Corinthians and Acts we could use other names such as the ‘church of God’ or simply ‘the church’. We could be ‘the church at Glencoe’, as there was the ‘church at Jerusalem’.

There is no reason to change our title, I merely show that the ‘Church of Christ’ is not the only valid name. Some congregations have even had signs that simply state ‘Christians Meet Here’.

Again: the title is not what is important, but the teachings being delivered at the place and the actions being put into practice by the worshippers.

                -- John Thrower Jr.