Members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) hold a wide variety of beliefs about God and Jesus. Members are not expected to agree with one another or the church on doctrine or dogma, but rather to practice “radical hospitality.”
Here we come together in service and worship despite differences in opinions and beliefs and despite all human divisions such as gender, class, race, sexual orientation, and appearances. We view these differences in our laity as a gift through which God teaches us how to love. Here, we honor the fact that what connects us is bigger than the differences that threaten to tear us apart.
While our educational programming does not take a literal approach to scripture, we do take seriously the ministry of love and compassion Jesus Christ has taught his church. Our educational efforts reflect and encourage this sacred trust. Therefore, teaching “what to believe” is not the goal of faith development at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Carbondale. Instead Disciples, young and old, are focused on how to become the people God wants us to be. We look to the example of Jesus Christ to:
• Learn how to love our neighbors and our enemies
• Be peacemakers in a divided world
• Forgive rather than begrudge
• Question the culture when it contradicts a holy life
• Make responsible decisions that do not harm ourselves or others
• Serve others for the greater good
• Reach out to those in our society who are disenfranchised and in need
• Do our part to create God’s kingdom on earth– a place of social, economic, and political justice and peace for all