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 The purpose of this church is to lead people to acknowledge God, to have faith in Jesus Christ, to live life in the power of the Holy Spirit, as revealed in Christian scripture, so that together we might be encouraged and nurtured by the church's ministries, in order to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ, to do God's will, and to work for the unity of the Spirit among all Christians in the mutual building of God's reign on earth.
(adapted from "Constitution and By-laws" of the First Christian Church, Republic, Missouri, Article I, Section B) |
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What are some of the beliefs of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)?
- We believe in the triune God, consisting of Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
- We believe that the Bible is the authoritative guide for Christian faith and living, and truly reveals God's purpose in the world: to free us from sin through faith in Jesus Christ.
- Each person is free to explore and interpret the Scriptures according to his or her own experience and to express one's worship within a covenant community of other Christians, the church.
- We strive for unity of all Christians in the love of Christ. Doctrines and human differences should not be allowed to divide believers from each other.
- We believe in public confession of faith in Christ and repenting of sins, and acceptance of Jesus into our lives.
- We observe the Lord's Supper every Sunday and baptize by immersion. Those practices are based on a sincere desire to follow Jesus and the apostolic examples found in the New Testament.
- We practice inclusive ministry in the life and work of the church. All members are "ministers" -- entitled to interpret the Scriptures and perform church functions.
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For more information on the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), visit these sites:
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Current ministries and programs include:
- Sunday school for all ages at 9:30 a.m.
- Nursery care for infants and toddlers from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m.
- Worship with communion service each Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
- Children's church begins in the sanctuary
- Youth meetings and activities
- Christian Women's Fellowship (1st Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.)
- Christian Men's Fellowship (2nd Wednesday: work 4-6 p.m.; meal 6 p.m.)
- Regular Bible study on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. (except during summer)
- Annual Vacation Bible School
- Outreach through participation with local, regional, and national organizations:
- Christian Church of Mid-America Region
- Ozark Lakes Area of the Christian Church
- American Red Cross
- People Helping People
- Victory Mission
- The Kitchen
- Council of Churches of the Ozarks
- Crosslines
- Salvation Army
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- Family Violence Center
- Ozark Food Harvest
- Missouri Victim Center
- Regional Girls' Shelter
- Hospice of Southwest Missouri
- Woodhaven Learning Center
- Pension Fund of the Christian Church
- Others on occasion
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The Reverend John Lee organized the First Christian church of Republic in the Etna community, two miles northeast of Republic around 1872. Worship continued in the Mt. Etna vicinity until 1885 when a frame house of worship was built at the present location at the corner of North Main and Logan Streets in Republic.
Worship services were held in the building until March 5, 1950, when the corner stone was laid for the present structure.
 The multi-purpose building at left, which seats 150 at tables, was dedicated July 12, 1992. This addition also provided wheelchair-accessible restrooms and an enclosed ramp to our sanctuary.
The congregation is a member church of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in North America and Canada, a million member denomination. All congregations are, however, directed by local leadership and are locally funded by their members.
Current pastor is Rev. Dr. Thomas D. Minton. |
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MINISTRIES AND PROGRAMS