Our Welcome Statement
First Christian Church of Decatur (Disciples of Christ) is an open and affirming congregation. We welcome everyone into full participation in the life and membership of the church.
Inspired and informed by God’s love, mercy, and justice,we are purposefully involved in healing and helping our community and our world. We covenant with God and the greater community to nurture a spirit of love and service to neighbors, honor one another’s differences, and fellowship in the breaking of bread.
Actively striving to honor each other’s race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, physical or mental ability, family configuration, political affiliation, economic circumstance, or theological perspective, we truly do welcome all.
Our Denomination
First Christian Church of Decatur is proud to be a part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome you to the Lord’s Table, as God has welcomed us.
Established on the American Frontier in the early 1880’s, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is the oldest and largest Protestant church founded in the United States. Congregations that celebrate the intersection of faith and reason sprang up across Virginia and Kentucky and grew from there. Simplicity and unity, freedom and practicality remain basic tenets of our heritage and our vision.
We believe that the New Testament, particularly the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, form the basis of our Christian faith practice and daily life. As Disciples of Christ, we respect diversity of thought and advocate responsible and conscientious religious and intellectual freedom. We hold that “in essentials, unity, in opinion, liberty, and in all things, LOVE” (Thomas Campbell, co-founder of our denomination). Christian Unity is our “polar star,” because ecumenism is an important way of life and mission. In all things we strive to practice the spiritual discipline in a manner that is both socially relevant and intellectually sound.
The Chalice, which features St. Andrew’s cross, symbolizes the central place of communion in worship, which is served weekly. The Lord’s Table is open to all who desire to participate. The X-shaped cross of the disciple Andrew is a reminder of the ministry of each person and the importance of lay leadership and evangelism.
We invite you to explore the following links to additional information:
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia
Anti-Racism Statements
A Statement from Decatur White Clergy on Racism and Justice, June 3, 2020. We are grateful to be part of a faith community whose leaders show a commitment to living into God’s vision for the world. Here’s a video of the pastors, including former FCCD pastor Rev. Dr. James Brewer-Calvert, reading the statement, which was also covered in a story by 11Alive.
A message from the General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Rev. Terri Hord Owens, and Rev. April Johnson: We need to be the Church we say we are. It includes a call to action and a form you can sign to affirm our Disciples commitment to being a pro-reconciling, anti-racist church.