Franklin Circle Christian Church is a progressive, urban, mission-oriented congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  As such, our beliefs and practices are very similar to other Disciples of Christ congregations.

What do Disciples believe?

Like most Christians, Disciples affirm:

*  Jesus Christ is the son of the Living God, and offers saving grace to all

*  All persons are God’s children

Beliefs and practices usually associated with Disciples include:

*  Open Communion. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion is celebrated in weekly worship. It is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ.

*  Freedom of belief.  Disciples are called together around one essential of faith: belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  Persons are free to follow their consciences guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit study and prayer, and are expected to extend that freedom to others.
 

*  Baptism by immersion.  In baptism the old self-centered life is set aside, and a new life of trust in God begins.  Although Disciples practice baptism by immersion, other baptism traditions are honored.
 

*  Belief in the oneness of the church. All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service.
 

*  The ministry of believers. Both ministers and lay persons lead in worship, service and spiritual growth.

Another way of looking at who we are was articulated by a recent General Minister & President of our church, the Rev. Dr. Richard Hamm when he named us as a church with a deep Christian spirituality, seeking true community, and having a passion for justice.

Deep Christian Spirituality

Christian spirituality is a way of life that relates who and what we are to who and what God is as revealed in Jesus Christ and as experienced through the Holy Spirit. We encourage one another in the spiritual disciplines, practices through which we open ourselves to being shaped by God. Those disciplines include prayer, Bible study, worship, stewardship, service, study of the church’s tradition and hospitality to strangers. Our spiritual development ministries range from teaching children to love Jesus to helping adults live Christ-like lives.

True community

Although each Disciples congregation has its own personality, all have members who care for each other, opportunities to grow and learn, and ways to serve others. As churches grow in true community, members care deeply for one another. But true community also means reaching out to include others—encouraging the growth of a diverse community in which all are welcomed and cared for.

In Disciples congregations, study and fellowship groups offer opportunities to ask honest questions, share opinions and discover ways to deal with life’s difficult issues and to grow in faith.

Disciples seek to provide a rich fellowship and sense of community for people of all ages and walks of life.

A passion for justice

Disciples ministries don’t stop at the front door of the church building.

We work to make a difference in our neighborhoods and the wider community. As followers of Jesus we help in soup kitchens and food pantries, shelter the homeless and care for children. We advocate for fairness in laws and public policy. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has committed itself to become an anti-racist, pro-reconciling church.

Our shared ministries reach out across North America. We “get dirty for Jesus,” repairing homes and community centers, cleaning up after natural disasters and bringing hope where there is despair. Disciples facilities care for abused children and their families, persons with disabling conditions and senior adults. Our higher education institutions educate and train women and men for the ministry and for careers in other fields.

Disciples overseas ministries stretch around the world. With partner churches we tell the Good News, help dig wells, train pastors, immunize children and much more. We also help persons in times of natural disaster, economic upheaval and war.