Churches of Christ restore the simplicity and purity of the first-century church by limiting their faith and practice to things clearly authorized in the New Testament (1 Peter 4:11; 2 John 9-11; Jude 3; Galatians 1:8,9; Revelation 22:18,19). This is evident in their congregational form of organization with each congregation being led by elders who meet the Biblical qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Local congregations have fellowship with one another on a world-wide basis, but they do not participate in any kind of centralized organization (Luke 22:25,26; Matthew 23:8-12; 1 Peter 5:1-4).

They believe in the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, consisting of the Old and New Testaments (2 Timothy 3:14-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21).

They believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16), that He died on the cross to redeem man from sin (Romans 5:8,9; Titus 2:14), and that He rose from the dead the third day (Acts 10:39-41).

When Jesus ascended to His Father after forty days, the Kingdom of God was established (Acts 2:29-36; 5:30,31; Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:20-23; Colossians 1:13,14; Revelation 1:5). On the Day of Pentecost after His ascension, the church came into being (Acts 1:4; 2:41-47).

Salvation is by grace through the sacrifice of Christ (Romans 3:23,24). Sinners can be saved and added to the Lord's body, the church, by believing in Jesus (Mark 16:16), repenting of their sins (Acts 3:19), confessing His name (Romans 10:8-10), and being baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3-6; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:26,27; 1 Peter 3:21). To be valid, baptism must be based on faith and repentance, must be by immersion (Colossians 2:12), and must be for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16).

Churches of Christ assemble each first day of the week (Sunday) to remember the sacrifice of Christ by partaking of the Lord's supper (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1,2). They sing songs of praise to God without instrumental accompaniment (Acts 16:25; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:18,19; Colossians 3:16), they pray (Acts 14:23), read Scripture (1 Timothy 4:13) and listen to the preaching of the Word of God (Acts 20:7). Women are valued and active members of the congregation, but they do not speak in the assembly or teach and exercise authority over men (1 Timothy 2:11,12; 1 Corinthians 14:34-36). The church is supported by the freewill offerings of Christians on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1,2).