Our Denomination

The logo used by the Christian Church is the chalice with the Cross of St. Andrew.

Branson Christian Church is a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Our denomination began on the American frontier in the 1830s as part of the Stone-Campbell movement. As one of the largest faith groups founded in America, the church began with a desire for religious freedom and union with all who follow Jesus. In Cane Ridge, Kentucky, Rev. Barton Stone felt that the Bible is the only rule for faith and practice and his church began calling themselves simply, "Christians". Rev. Thomas Campbell founded the Christian Association of Washington, Pennsylvania. This group adopted the motto: "Where the scriptures speak, we speak; where the Scriptures are silent, we are silent." Campbell's passion for Christian unity is summed up in his proclamation that: "The church of Christ upon earth is essentially, intentionally, and constitutionally one." Rev. Alexander Campbell, the son of Thomas, was also an early leader. He preferred the name, "Disciples of Christ", and as a result both names are used by our denomination.

Today, as followers of Jesus: " We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God, and we accept him as Lord and Savior. " We acknowledge our common bond with all who follow Jesus. " We celebrate the Lord's Supper every Sunday. Our communion is open to all who would be followers of Jesus. " We baptize new believers by immersion as done in the New Testament. We accept the baptism of those who transfer from other traditions. " In Christ, we rejoice in the variety of views and the diversity among us. We encourage each other as we seek a deeper spiritual relationship with God. As servants of Christ, we are non-judgmental and do not require the belief in any creed. " We celebrate the freedom of being a self-governed congregation, free to determine our own witness for Christ. " We work within a covenantal relationship with other congregations of our general church.