The History Behind Church Of Christ Services Waco

By Patrick Allen


When looking for a place of worship in a local area or while away from home, it can often be difficult to find one at which a visitor feels comfortable and welcome. Although, there are more options in some areas than others. For example, there are a number of Church of Christ services Waco, Texas as well as other denominations.

The denomination has gone through a number of changes since its original inception. In the beginning, the Church of Christ was established by James O'Kelly whom, in 1793, withdrew from the Methodist Episcopal church and the Baltimore conference. While having withdrawn from the conference, O'Kelly continued work as a religious leader for quite some time.

The primary reason for the withdrawal was to establish a place of worship which would focus on the Bible as being the only text used for study and worship. For, the Episcopal and other branches had added study guides such as the Common Book of Prayer and others. As such, the movement started by O'Kelly was one of the earliest in the nineteenth century.

Records show that at the time, there were more than 6,000 members whom withdrew in order to begin what would be a return to pure New Testament Christianity. Some 19 years later, the Baptists of New England, led by Elias Smith and Abner Jones started a similar movement.

At the time, many religious leaders were concerned about members using alternative creeds and denominational names to describe oneself and others. As a result, it was the Baptists whom began the tradition of those whom believed in Christ being referred to as Christians rather than by a title associated with a specific denomination. As such, the Baptists were the first to view all believers simply as Christians.

As the movement grew, the Presbyterians followed suit in teaching and preaching solely from the Bible. After which, Thomas and Alexander Campbell were the last to make such changes. Leaders and members of the Disciples of Christ, the two were in agreement with many others with regards to preaching and teaching only from the New Testament.

The four movements eventually became a strong force in the restoration movement. It should be noted that none of those involved advocated for a new branch of Christianity. Rather, to a return to the original primitive place of worship as described in the Bible.

When it comes to conservative and liberal congregations, this is where the denominations have branched off into more contemporary congregations and worship services. For, while some are open and welcoming to all people, others tend to reject people of difference such as those involved in same-sex lifestyles.

In most cases, the Episcopal and Unitarian Universalists are going to be the most open minded when it comes to welcoming these individuals and fighting for issues associated with the LGTBQ+ community. It should be noted that there is a distinct difference between a welcoming congregation whom provides a place of worship and other services versus those which suggest tolerance. For, while one may tolerate difference, this in no way suggest that individuals would be welcome or could obtain the same services as others.




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