Identity Statement of Erlanger Christian Church
We are Disciples of Christ, a community of faith striving to follow the teachings of Jesus as we seek to love God and neighbor: A place of nurturing faith, belonging, and abundant generosity.

Basic Beliefs
As a church:

• We celebrate individual freedom and diversity. Affirmation and belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the only requirement for baptism.
• We look to the Bible as the instrument imparting God’s Word to the people of God. We encourage and respect the right of each individual to interpret the meaning of holy scripture in one’s own life.
• As a congregation we practice believer’s baptism by immersion. We recognize all forms of baptism.
• The Lord’s Supper is celebrated weekly. It is open communion: ALL who believe in the Lordship of Christ are invited to partake in the symbols of his broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ.
• We are congregationally governed and celebrate the ministry of all believers.
• As a community of faith we seek to cooperate ecumenically with all faith traditions in the community and around the word.

Affiliation
Erlanger Christian Church is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination, the largest denomination founded on American soil (beginning in central Kentucky!) in 1831. We share historical roots with Presbyterian, Church of Christ, and United Churches of Christ. The 2017 yearbook reported 450,425 members in 3,238 congregations throughout the United States and Canada.

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is often described by scholars as the most distinctly American denomination. Our faith is rooted in principles of free thought and speech, emphasizing education and individual responsibility. Our core belief is that the communion Table is open to ALL.

Within our community, we have a diverse range of individuals, including Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, and Independents. We encompass people of various ages, occupations, and family structures, such as kids, retirees, married couples with children, single parents, and those living alone. This diversity sometimes leads to conflicts and disagreements, but we embrace them as they strengthen our convictions. We understand that progress is often born out of passionate debates. Together, we pray for swift and peaceful resolutions to the challenges facing our nation and the world, while sitting side by side.

We have been accepting women as ordained clergy for more than 120 years, making us one of the first mainline churches to do so. Despite having a high level of education within our ranks, our income levels tend to be relatively low due to many of us pursuing careers of service in teaching, nursing, and social work. We are proud to have institutions like Texas Christian University, Transylvania University, and Lexington Theological Seminary associated with our denomination. Interestingly, our lesser-known denomination is home to three of the largest African-American churches in the country.

Erlanger Christian Church is one of 210 Disciples of Christ congregations in the region of Kentucky and one of 25 Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area.

The Chalice

A symbol of the Christian Church (Disciple of Christ) is a St. Andrews Cross within a chalice. The chalice symbolizes the central place communion holds in worship. The St. Andrew’s cross affirms the importance of the laity and personal evangelism for which the disciple Andrew is closely associated. Further meaning is seen when the chalice is tipped, and the familiar cross of Christ is seen. When we tip or give ourselves in service to others, Christ may be seen in us.