We are affiliated with the denomination known as The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ.) Informally we call ourselves “Disciples of Christ,” “ Disciples,” or “DOC’s.” This denomination formed in the early 1800’s and moved west with the pioneer movement. Our church first gathered in June of 1833 in the blockhouse which is now located in North Park here in Mansfield. We are located on the Northeast corner of Third and Bowman Streets.

• Open communion. The Lord’s Supper or Communion is celebrated in weekly worship. It is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
• Freedom of belief. Disciples are called together in the belief that Jesus Christ i Lord and Savior. We often say that “we have no creed but Christ.” People are free to follow their consciences, guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study and prayer. Disciples are expected to extend those freedoms to others.
• Baptism by immersion for new believers. Through baptism, the old self-centered life is set aside and a new life of trust in God begins. Although we practice baptism by immersion, we accept members who come from other baptism traditions, such as infant baptism.
• Belief in the oneness of the church. All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service.
• The ministry of believers. Both ministers and lay persons lead in worship, service, and spiritual growth. You may know this practice as “empowered laity.”
• Congregational government. Disciples’ congregations own their own church property and have full control of their budgets and programs. They decide whom to call as pastor. Pastors can be either men or women.
• Missionaries and other faith groups. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) works with Global Missions of the United Church of Christ (UCC) to train and send missionaries around the world. We are also active in developing relationships that bring together people of other-than-Christian faith traditions, to dialogue and work on common social issues.