Churches of Christ

Churches of Christ are congregations within the Restoration Movement, generally characterised by local autonomy and a desire to follow New Testament patterns.

They developed from nineteenth-century American restorationist currents and now exist internationally.

Many congregations emphasise biblical authority, believer's baptism, weekly communion, congregational participation, and restorationist ecclesiology. Teaching and practice differ between congregations.

Worship is ordinarily congregational and often includes preaching, prayer, singing, communion, and Baptism; some churches make particular choices about instruments or ministry roles.

There is no single worldwide governing body; local congregations are autonomous.