Our Mission Statement
The mission of the Mammoth Spring First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) shall be revealed in the
New Testament -- to win people to faith in Jesus Christ and commit them actively to the Church, to help
them grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ that increasingly they may know and do His will, and to
work for the unity of all Christians and with them engage in the common task of building the
Kingdom of God.
Who Are The "Disciples Of Christ" ?
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) had its beginnings in the early nineteenth century on the
American frontier. Presbyterian ministers Bartin Stone, Thomas Campbell, and son, Alexander Campbell,
troubled by the many divisions among Christians, decided to work toward unity under the principles and
practices of the New Testament Church, The Campbell/Stone movement emphasized freedom and
diversity. Rejecting creeds as test for membership, they instead required only that persons make a public
confession that "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God" accept Him as "our Lord and Savior." This is
still the practice of the church today.
Following the New Testament practice, Disciples celebrate Holy Communion (the Lord's Supper) each
week for spiritual renewal and in remembrance of the sacrificial love of Christ. Although we practice
baptism of believers by immersion, we acknowledge and accept God's gracious gift of baptism in
whatever mode and do not require "rebaptism".
In keeping with our emphasis on freedom and personal theological integrity, we do not vote to accept or
reject applicants for membership, nor do we bar any Christian from participation in Holy Communion.
One of the more distinctive qualities of our fellowship is the role of women play in the leadership of our
church. Both men and women are invited and encouraged to hold every office of the church, including
Minister, Elder, and Deacon. We encourage a spirit of openness and inclusivity, the evidence of which can
be seen in the lively discussions in Sunday School classes and diversity of opinions in our membership.
At Mammoth Spring First Christian, everyone is free to explore his or her own relationship with God and
express personal faith in an atmosphere of love and respect.
Church Government
Mammoth Spring First Christian Church is an autonomous, independent church. We call our own ministers,
own our own land and facilities, and organize our own programs, and all decisions regarding the church's
mission are made through the local Church Board made up of elected representatives from within our
congregation. We voluntarily contribute to and cooperate with the ministries of a regional and general
church whose primary mission is to support the local congregation and provide opportunities for us to
engage in worldwide ministries more efficiently. Our regional church, known as The Great River Region,
has its offices in Little Rock, AR.. Our general church known as The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
in the United States and Canada, has its office in Indianapolis, Indiana. Together, we support 18 colleges
and universities, 4 seminaries, retirement homes, children's homes, mission partners, and a variety of
other vital worldwide ministries.
The Symbol of
The Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
The chalice bearing the X-shaped Cross of St. Andrew, which has come to be the symbol our our church,
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 Cross, national cross of Scotland, focuses attention on the Scottish Presbyterian roots of
our church. For centuries, St. Andrew has been identified with the laity and evangelism, prominent
emphases of the Disciples over the years.
What Do We Believe ?
We confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God,
and proclaim Him Lord and Savior of the world.
In Christ's name and by His grace we accept our
mission of witness and service to all people.
We rejoice in God, Maker of Heaven and Earth, and in
the covenant of love which binds us to God and one another.
Through baptism into Christ we enter into the newness of
life and are made one with the whole people of God.
In the communion of the Holy Spirit we are joined
together in discipleship and in obedience to Christ.
At the table of the Lord we celebrate with thanksgiving
the savings acts and presence of Christ.
Within the universal church we receive the
gift of ministry and the light of Scripture.
In the bonds of Christian faith we yield ourselves to God
that we may serve the One whose reign has no end.
Blessing, glory, and honor be to God forever. Amen
