Churches of Christ and the Episcopal Church both believe in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection, and the importance of the Bible. But they differ in how they worship, who leads their congregations, and what they teach about baptism. One of their biggest differences concerns how Christians determine what God wants His church to believe and practice.
If you visited an Episcopal church on Sunday and then visited a church of Christ, you would probably notice those differences immediately. Yet both groups sincerely desire to worship God and follow Jesus. Understanding what each believes can help you see why their practices differ.
Where Did These Churches Come From?
The Episcopal Church developed from the Church of England and became an independent American church following the Revolutionary War. It belongs to the worldwide Anglican tradition and preserves many historic forms of Christian worship.
Many modern churches of Christ trace their history to the nineteenth-century Restoration Movement, which encouraged Christians to return to the teachings and practices recorded in the New Testament.
While their histories differ, both traditions look to Jesus Christ as the head of His church ().
What Does Each Church Believe About the Bible?
Episcopalians recognize Scripture as foundational to Christian faith. They also value the historic traditions of the church and the use of reason in understanding and applying biblical teaching.
Their Book of Common Prayer provides prayers, worship services, and explanations of Christian beliefs. Much of its language comes directly from Scripture, and Episcopalians consider it an important guide for worship.
Churches of Christ generally believe Scripture provides the sufficient authority for Christian teaching and practice. Paul wrote that Scripture is inspired by God and equips His people "for every good work" ().
The disagreement concerns how much authority should be given to religious traditions and practices developed after the apostles. Churches of Christ seek to follow the teaching preserved in the New Testament and measure every religious practice against it.
Who Leads Each Church?
Episcopal congregations are organized into regions called dioceses, each overseen by a bishop. Priests ordinarily lead individual congregations, and the national church has a presiding bishop and a governing body called the General Convention.
Churches of Christ generally have no regional or national governing organization. Each congregation is responsible for its own leadership and work, usually under qualified elders.
The New Testament describes elders being appointed in local churches (). Peter instructed them to "shepherd the flock of God that is among you" ().
Churches of Christ understand these passages to establish local oversight under the authority of Jesus Christ.
What Do They Believe About Baptism and Salvation?
Both traditions teach that salvation comes through God's grace and that baptism is connected with receiving new life in Christ.
The Episcopal Church baptizes infants as well as adults, using water through immersion or pouring. It teaches that baptism brings forgiveness, incorporation into Christ's church, and new life. When infants are baptized, parents and sponsors make promises on their behalf.
Churches of Christ baptize people who personally believe in Jesus and repent of their sins. They understand the New Testament accounts of conversion as showing people responding to the gospel through their own faith.
When people asked Peter what they should do, he answered:
"Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" ().
Churches of Christ practice immersion, following Paul's description of baptism as being buried and raised with Christ ().
The central disagreement concerns who should receive baptism and how a person responds to God's promise of forgiveness.
What Would Worship Look Like?
Episcopal worship generally follows an established order from the Book of Common Prayer. Services include Scripture readings, written prayers, congregational responses, and often instrumental music. The Lord's Supper, commonly called the Eucharist or Holy Communion, is central to Sunday worship.
Churches of Christ generally worship through prayer, Bible preaching, congregational singing without instruments, the Lord's Supper, and voluntary giving.
Their practice of singing follows their understanding of and , which instruct Christians to sing praise to God while encouraging one another.
Churches of Christ also observe communion every Sunday, following their understanding of the gathering recorded in . During this memorial, Christians remember Jesus' sacrifice and proclaim His death until He returns ().
How Can Someone Know Which Teaching Is Right?
Perhaps you grew up attending an Episcopal church, or you've only recently encountered churches of Christ. Familiar traditions and meaningful relationships can make religious questions deeply personal.
The Christians in Berea provide a helpful example. When Paul preached, they listened carefully and examined Scripture to determine whether his teaching was true ().
Read the passages, consider how each tradition explains its beliefs, and ask questions. Every congregation should be willing to examine its teaching and worship according to God's Word.
At Memorial Church of Christ in Port Arthur, Texas, we'd welcome the opportunity to study these matters with you. Our desire is to follow Jesus Christ faithfully and help others understand His Word.
Plan your visit and we’ll be glad you did.
The Bible’s own answer about becoming a Christian is worth reading first-hand. Start here.
When we meet:
- Sunday: Bible Class 9am, Worship 10am, Worship 6pm
- Wednesday: Bible Class 7pm