Disciples: Who We Are and What Holds us Together

by Michael Kinnamon, Jan Linn

What does it mean to be part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)? A denomination that intentionally unites Christians who have different ideas about what it means to be Christian is bound to struggle to agree on its core values and beliefs — but respected Disciples Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn believe unity is possible through reforming worship, relationships, and mission. A timely update of their landmark book, Disciples identifies common ground and continues the conversation started by Stone and Campbell two centuries ago on the American frontier.

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2019

Reviews

[Tanja Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful in terms of the challenges facing the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) as of 2019. I’d love for the authors, though, to do a third edition addressing the new challenges of a post-COVID world and what that’s done to church attendance, online church, etc.

[Melissa Earnest · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be of value, not only as a Disciples member but also thinking of it as something that could be given to a non-Disciple so they could learn who we are. I could see myself and the Disciples of Christ congregations I have known within the pages of the book. The author exposes the good, the bad, and the ugly but gives us hope for the future. I would recommend this book to all Christian Church (DOC) members. It's not just for the clergy or lay ministers or elders. It's for all Disciples. Again, it would also be appropriate to give to someone who is interested in learning more about the Disciples history and how it has survived through the years. The book also goes into detail about the elements of religion that are so important to Disciples, like baptism and communion. I am thankful they keep this book updated and the latest edition reflects today's society and where our faith fits. I would recommend this book to anyone. It contains so much information but is a quick read.

[Jody · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got a lot out of especially chapters 1-5....the history behind the Disciples movement, covenant accountability, view of scripture, communion, and baptism. The Disciples church has an open communion table and do not embrace transubstantiation. They affirm baptism of believers by immersion as usual practice, but claim unity with those who practice differently. I wasn't aware that although they agree the Bible is inspired and may be called the word of God, because it was written by humans, it is not considered infallible. I didn't get as much out of the remaining chapters, but there were some interesting ideas in the chapter about congregation, such as consensus decision making and congregational sabbaticals (which can help with letting go of activities & structures that no longer serve a purpose). Although the authors recognize not everyone is on the same page, they hope in the future candidates will be called to serve in any and all ministry positions without regard to race, gender, or sexual orientation.

[Joe Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn take up the question of how the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has maintained its commitment to Christian unity in spite of growing differences in belief and action. They conclude that our culture's commitment to diversity will continue to grow and become increasingly violent, yet unity is essential to the church's witness, so they trace how Disciples have found innovative ways to maintain both diversity and unity during perilous times in our nation's history, and they express confidence that the church will find ways to navigate through the obstacles of the future.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted this book to be so much more, but I think that that is a reflection on how I want the Disciples of Christ to be so much more. While it does sufficiently address the history and methodologies from our Restoration Movement heritage, the book is quite descriptive rather than prescriptive for how our unique fellowship of faith communities will live into the future and the distinctive place that we have in the religious landscape.