The Disciples - Who We Are

• Internationally, we are a denomination that seeks to work with other denominations wherever possible.
• Nationally, we are the largest denominational body in America which began on American soil. From a handful of concerned people, like Thomas and Alexander Campbell, Barton Warren Stone, and "Raccoon" John Smith, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has grown to almost 900,000 members. We worship in some 3,800 congregations in 35 regions plus Canada.
• Regionally, we belong to the Christian Church in Northern California-Nevada (CCNC-N for short) where we share life together with some 70 congregations, gathering once a year to worship together and to do the work of the region.
• Locally, Mayfair was a "mission" church sent by First Christian Church of Stockton to the growing edge of the community in 1957. With 50+ persons and a dream the work was begun here with the Rev. George D. Brown as the first pastor.
• The business end of this congregation is conducted by the Church Board which is composed of the President and Vice President of the congregation, the Secretary, the Treasurer and chairpersons of the elders, deacons and ministries.
• All members of this congregation are considered to be ministers of the Good News concerning Jesus Christ. In our homes, at the places where we work, at school, at play---we are the body of Christ, called to share our faith.

• Open Communion - All believers in Jesus Christ are invited to the communion table as we celebrate the Lord's Supper each week. For Disciples this meal is the central act of Christian worship. It is an acknowledgement of our new life in Christ and the free gift of eternal life that is made possible by God's saving acts. A key feature of our observance is the use of laypersons (elders) at the Table. We do so in the belief that Christ is present as the celebrant, that we come always at his invitation, and that in coming to his table we dramatically affirm and celebrate our new life.
• Biblical Faith...Thinking Faith... We love the Bible and take it seriously using both our minds and our hearts in a life long journey of understanding the ways it calls us to live out our faith daily. Don't leave your brain at the door.
• The Oneness of the Church - Disciples believe that all Christians are called to be the Body of Christ; they deny that any denomination (including their own) is the "one Church." Disciples seek opportunities for common witness and service with other denominations. As early Disciples leader Barton Stone declared, "Unity is our polar star."
• Freedom of Belief - Beyond our central belief that Jesus is our Lord and Savior, there is no creed or doctrine. Each person is free to follow their conscience guided by Bible study, the Holy Spirit and prayer. We are expected to extend that freedom to others. Those with doubts and questions are respected.
• Baptism by Immersion - In baptism, the old self-centered life is set aside and a new, ever growing life of trust in God begins. Baptism is into the whole Body of Christ, thus, although Disciples baptize by immersion, other baptism traditions are honored.
• The Priesthood of All Believers - Disciples believe in the ministry of all believers, both ordained and lay persons. Men, women and youth serve in all phases of church life.
• God calls us to a life of mission - All of creation is a gift from God. Our voices of justice, mercy and peace must be boldly spoken to those powers that would stand in the way of God's resources being shared equally. We commit our time, talent and money to such mission.
• Covenantal Relationships - Each congregation is autonomous but we choose to be related as a distinctive denomination in a covenant of passion and compassion to carry the Good News of God's love in Jesus Christ to all the world.