Who We Are

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Blessed to be a Blessing

First Christian Church of Puyallup
(Disciples of Christ)

...called by God to live as a blessing...

Who We Are

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Who We Are

History of the Disciples How to Join Symbol of the Chalice

What We Believe

"We confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and proclaim Him Lord and Savior of the world." The Bible is at the center of our developing faith. All Christians are called to minister to those in need.

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ, or DOC) is a mainstream bridge church with origins in both the Presbyterian and Baptist Churches in the United States. One idea undergirding Discipleship theology is unity. We demonstrate our Christian unity through the weekly observance of the Lord's Supper, which is open to all.

First Christian Church of Puyallup is one of nearly 3,800 congregations with over 800,000 members that form the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. From its earliest beginnings Disciples have held to one central motto: "No creed but Christ." This statement reflects the Disciples understanding that a confession of faith in Jesus Christ was the way in which one becomes part of a church. Although we have strong beliefs in common with one another, Disciples do not use creeds or doctrinal statements as tests of church membership.

Congregations accept members on a simple confession of belief in Jesus Christ. Baptism follows.

Beliefs and practices usually associated with Disciples include:

Everyone is welcome at Christ's table

Open communion:
Everyone is welcome at Christ's table

"At the table of the Lord we celebrate with thanksgiving the saving acts and presence of Christ"

- From the Preamble of the Design for the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)

The Lord's Supper, sometimes called the Eucharist or Communion, is celebrated in weekly worship. It is open to all believers in Jesus Christ.

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Freedom of belief:
Disciples are called together around one essential of faith: belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Persons are free to follow their consciences guided by the Bible, study, and prayer, and are expected to extend that freedom to others.

Baptism by immersion:
In baptism the old self-centered life is set aside, and a new life of trust in God begins. Although Disciples practice baptism by immersion, other baptism traditions are honored. (Click here to learn more...)

Belief in the oneness of the church:
All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service.

The ministry of believers:
Both ministers and lay persons lead in worship, service and spiritual growth.

While Disciples honor no manmade creed, the preamble to a document called The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) poetically and prayerfully expresses our shared affirmations in this way:

"As members of the Christian Church, we confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and proclaim him Lord and Savior of the world.

In Christ's name and by his grace we accept our mission of witness and service to all people.

We rejoice in God, maker of heaven and earth, and in the covenant of love which binds us to God and to one another.

Through baptism into Christ we enter into newness of life and are made one with the whole people of God.

In the communion of the Holy Spirit we are joined together in discipleship and in obedience to Christ.

At the table of the Lord we celebrate with thanksgiving the saving acts and presence of Christ.

Within the universal church we receive the gift of ministry and the light of scripture.

In the bonds of Christian faith we yield ourselves to God that we may serve the One whose kingdom has no end.

Blessing, glory and honor be to God forever. Amen."

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How to Join
Here at First Christian Church of Puyallup, any person who has been baptized in another faith tradition may become a member by transferring their membership and publicly affirming their faith in Christ during a worship service. In most services, immediately following the sermon there is an invitation to discipleship. During the singing of the hymn of discipleship those wishing to join the church or to express a desire to be baptized may come forward and speak to the minister or to an elder.

Have more questions?
We would love to talk with you about the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) or the process of joining this community of faith. In the attendance books passed through the rows during worship, indicate your desire to talk with Pastor Nancy, or give the church office a call to set up a time to talk more (253-845-6232). If you prefer e-mail, see our e-mail addresses here.

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Disciples of Christ History...

You might say the Disciples of Christ were born in a log cabin in Cane Ridge, Kentucky or in a little church in Brush Run, Pennsylvania.

Kentuckian Barton W. Stone ended his Presbyterian ties in 1804 to become a "Christian only." Thomas Campbell and son Alexander, Scotch Presbyterians, founded the Brush Run church in 1811, seeking union of all Christians based on simple New Testament basics.

Their followers shook hands and emerged in 1832 at Lexington, KY. Evangelist Walter Scott provided energy, Alexander Campbell the philosophy and statesmanship. Together they shaped a movement that spread rapidly along the frontier.

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Symbol of the Chalice...

The chalice bearing the X-shaped cross of Saint Andrew was adopted as the symbol of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by the denomination's General Assembly in 1971, and is a registered trademark with the United States Patent Office.

The chalice was chosen because it represents the centrality of the Lord's Supper in the life and worship of the Disciples. The color red represents vitality, spirit and sacrifice. The X-shaped cross of the disciple Andrew is a reminder of the ministry of each person and the importance of evangelism. Saint Andrew has been identified with the laity and with evangelism, both of which have been prominent Disciples� emphases. Saint Andrew is considered to have been the first evangelist, bringing his brother Simon Peter to follow Jesus. It is also believed that Saint Andrew died on a cross of the same shape.

The Cross of Saint Andrew, national cross of Scotland, focuses attention on the Presbyterian roots of the Disciples. Both Thomas and Alexander Campbell studied in Scotland, were of Presbyterian faith, and later were instrumental in the founding of the Disciples of Christ.

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