The Name

Since 1968 when the Provisional Design was accepted by the General Assembly, the name of the denomination has been Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The compound name recognizes the historical coming together of two movements in 1832.

The "Christian Church" part of the name stems from the church's Kentucky ancestry and Barton W. Stone, whose followers dissolved their Presbyterian relationship in favor of a church less complicated, less dedicated to the use of creeds as tests of belief and more open to the reunion of Christians.

Thomas and Alexander Campbell, whose movement to restore Christian unity developed similarly but separately in western Pennsylvania, rebelled against dogmatic sectarianism. Campbell chose "Disciples of Christ" because he felt it was less pretentious than "Christian Church".

The Symbol

The red chalice bearing the "X"-shaped Cross of St. Andrew, which has come to be the symbol of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), was developed in 1969. The chalice symbolizes the centrality of the Lord's Supper as well as the cup of Christian self-giving for the world.

The St. Andrew's Cross, national cross of Scotland, focuses attention on the Scotch Presbyterian roots of the church. Thomas and Alexander Campbell both studied in Scotland and were Presbyterians, drawing many of their ideas from developments taking place in that country. St. Andrew too has been identified with the laity and evangelism, prominent emphases of the Disciples over the years.

A Belief Statement

Florissant Valley Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a member congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. We hold the scriptures as the word of God. Therefore, the Holy Scriptures are the basis of our faith, our belief and our expression of Christian life. We also hold to individual responsibility for theological positions. Membership is on the basis of confession of faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of the living God or by transfer of membership from another faith community. We practice Believer's Baptism by immersion.

We celebrate the Lord's Supper each Sunday morning, Wednesday evening and at such other times as may be appropriate. The invitation to the Lord's Table is open to all who confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

In essentials, unity;
in nonessentials, liberty;
in all things, charity.