About Us

Affiliation

Saint Andrews is a local congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Best knows as "Disciples of Christ" or "Disciples," this movement was formed on American soil in the late eighteenth century by Thomas Campbell, Alexander Campbell, and Barton W. Stone. Today, Disciples are a major mainline Protestant denomination.

There are approximately 70 Disciples congregations around the Dallas area. The Southwest region (Texas and New Mexico) hosts approximately 400 congregations. Each church is locally governed and calls its own pastor and staff. Many programs, training events, mission projects, and camp and conference events are funded and developed jointly by areas. Saint Andrews participates actively in the North Texas Area of the Christian Church.

The Chalice

The symbol for the Christian Church (DOC) is the red chalice representing the cross of St. Andrew. This cross is also the national cross of Scotland - where Thomas and Campbell studied. St. Andrew has been identified with the laity and evangelism, prominent emphases of the Disciples over the years. The red color of the chalice signifies vitality, spirit and sacrifice (qtd. from disciples.org). The chalice is a constant reminder of Christ's sacrifice, and reminds us of communion.

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Beliefs

As Disciples, we are non-creedal in our approach to the Christian faith. We do not insist that new members subscribe to particular creeds of the church. Rather, we have "no creed but Christ."

In his book We Call Ourselves Disciples, General Minister and President Emeritus Dr. Kenneth Teegarden describes the way a person joins the church. "Standing before a congregation of Disciples to confess faith in Jesus Christ and become part of the church, a person is asked only one question. It is usually phrased , 'Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and do you accept him as your personal savior?' The person joining the church responds, "I do." Then the new Christian and the pastor plan the service of Christian baptism to be held in a worship service as soon as possible.

Even though Disciples are non-creedal, shared beliefs of congregations can be found in the "Preamble to the Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)." The words of the Preamble start at the left margin. The interpretive comments in italics are by our pastor, Dr. Randall R. Smithson.

The Preamble

We confess that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God,
and proclaim him Lord and Savior of the world.

(This is the heart and core of our beliefs.)

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

(The church exists because of the love and grace of Christ. All that Christians do in witness and service is done in the name of Christ.)

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

(We believe in the one God whose covenant with Abraham and Israel becomes a covenant for all who follow Christ.)

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

(Christian baptism is a sacrament of the whole church. No one group has the last word about baptism because there are many forms of baptism. Disciples practice a believer's baptism by immersion while accepting the validity of baptism from other churches.)

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

(God's Holy Spirit of love makes it possible for Christians to work together and discover new ways to serve as they follow Christ.)

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

(Disciples have communion every Sunday. All who believe that Jesus is the Christ are welcome at the Lord's Table. Communion unites Christians around the world in the covenant of God's love in Christ.)

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

(Disciples are intentionally cooperative with other churches and involved in ecumenical causes. We respect the ministries of other churches. Through thoughtful study of the Bible, Christians are instructed, inspired, and guided in ministry.)

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

(Humility is required of Christians. God is in charge. Christians work to see the world in an expansive way with God's kingdom of love and justice becoming a reality for all people.)

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

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Mission

As members of Saint Andrews Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), it is our mission:

• to proclaim and nurture a courageous Biblical faith within the context of our heritage as members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ);
• to increase the church's membership
• to expand outreach ministries
• to minister to the needs of all ages
• to be an open and friendly congregation
• to affirm the worth and dignity of every person
• to celebrate together the Creator God, the Living Christ, and the everlasting Holy Spirit.
  Blessing, glory, and honor be to God. Amen.

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Vision

God is calling Saint Andrews to be a church that is:

• lifting and inspiring you to receive God's love and grace in Jesus Christ
• caring for you within Christian community
• serving in practical ways to meet human needs in the community and in the world

The landmark structure near the church's main building reflects this vision in symbolic ways.

• lifting - arches of the landmark reach upward
• caring - cradle shape at the top of the uprights
• serving - circle (world) with cross and chalice

The landmark structure near the church's main building reflects this vision in symbolic ways.

 

 

 

 

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