The South Boston Church of Christ is an independent, non-denominational community of disciples of Jesus Christ attempting to live out the Christianity of the New Testament era in a 21st Century context. We are located in South Boston, VA.
We are a self-governing congregation of believers. We are financially supported by the free-will gifts and offerings of our members.
WHAT IS OUR SIZE?
Our congregation is currently approximately 35 strong, comprised of a wide spectrum of demographic backgrounds.
HOW ARE WE AFFILIATED?
Though autonomous in nature and organization, we also are a part of a global fellowship of believers and churches known as churches of Christ (non-instrumental), comprised of approximately 13,000 congregations in the U.S. and an additional 14,000 world-wide.
Historically, we have our roots in the religious experience known as the Restoration Movement of the early-mid 19th Century. Such was a grass-roots effort led by influential people from a variety of Protestant denominations in an effort to return to the New Testament model and practice of non-denominational Christianity.
BY WHAT AUTHORITY?
In religious terms, we are theologically conservative and accept the bible as the inspired, complete will of God revealed to humans by the work of the Holy Spirit. As such, the scriptures are our exclusive source of authority in determining our beliefs, mission, and practices as individual Christians and as a congregation.
Specifically, the New Testament serves as our source of teaching and authority for the pursuit and practice of the life of discipleship that Christ calls us to as His followers. Here, we find not only the teachings of Jesus Himself, but also the meaning and purpose of His incarnation, life, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection. And, we thereby determine that Jesus Christ is the Supreme Authority, both as our Savior and Lord, and as Head of His church.
We find in the New Testament our identity, our purpose, and our destiny as a church; that we are to be extensions of Jesus Himself both to and in our world. And, it is in the New Testament that the Old Testament finds its proper fulfillment and value in the life of believers and the church as a whole.
HOW DO WE WORSHIP?
Our organizational style, both in worship and church government, is congregational. There is no distinction of clergy/laity, as we all co-equally comprise the spiritual body of Christ.
Our worship times include congregational singing, prayer, weekly participation in the Lord’s supper (communion), teaching and encouragement from the scripture, and periods of fellowship and interaction. Our singing is a-capella, that is, vocal (without the use of instrumental accompaniment).
Our worship and fellowship times blend the traditional and the contemporary experiences of life as experienced in our culture. Our assemblies are led by capable and dedicated Christian brothers. All in attendance are encouraged to fully participate.
We meet on Sunday mornings for Bible study and worship, and on Wednesday evenings for Bible study. We meet at other times as well, in a variety of settings, for fellowship and Bible study.
HOW DO WE RELATE TO GOD?
We believe that our sin separated us from God and that salvation from sin is completely by the grace of God, offered through the perfect once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. We believe that the only proper and biblical response to His gift is the surrender of our wills in obedience to Jesus as Lord.
As we believe in Jesus as God’s Son, repent of sinful lifestyles, openly acknowledge Christ as Savior and Lord, and are by faith immersed (baptized) in water, our faith and trust in His work on our behalf is demonstrated. Such results in the forgiveness of our sins, our spiritual re-birth, and the beginning of a life of discipleship in pursuit of the very heart (nature) of Jesus.
We believe the Holy Spirit serves to support and guide us in our pursuit of the heart and character of Jesus, and that our mutual love, support, and accountability as fellow Christians serve to infuse real-life, real-time experiences that aid in our personal walk with God, the Father.
HOW CAN YOU BECOME A MEMBER?
We believe that upon acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, repentance of one's sins, and baptism for the remission of those sins - - it is the Lord who adds you to His church. You are thus a "Christian".
Once a Christian, you have both opportunity and obligation to seek involvement and fellowship with a community of Christians, either in your local community or wherever you may find yourself in the world due to life’s circumstances and obligations. We at the South Boston church of Christ are but a group of those baptized believers - - Christians - - worshipping and working together in this community. As you communicate with us both your relationship to the Lord and your intent to be active in our church family, we are privileged to welcome you!
If you are not yet a Christian - - as described in New Testament scripture - - it is our hope that you will join us for study of God's word so that you may develop your faith to the point of understanding the need of acceptance of God's soul saving grace.
