We Disciples of Christ have a story to tell and to celebrate! The Disciple Identity Statement we have been using for the last decade or so is a very good one and worthy of emphasizing in our congregations, along with other reminders of our history, traditions and distinctive way of being church. Most long-time Disciples will be somewhat familiar with our history and beliefs. More recent members may know very little about our origins and how we evolved from being a part of “the restoration movement” on the early American frontier to the well-organized, ecumenically-minded, mission-oriented denomination we are today. Therefore, we invite you to observe a “D. I. D.” (Disciple Identity Day) which encourages congregations to highlight Disciple identity and history at least once a year in an intentional and concentrated way. This could be both educational and motivating as members focus on who we are and why we are the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). We are proposing that we declare February 23, 2020 as our first DID.

Here is a beginning list of resources and presentation possibilities:

Study the video on “A Movement for Wholeness”
Statement of Identity and Principles of Identity (in year book)
The Preamble to the Design of the Christian Church (pg 551 in Chalice hymnal)
Characteristic Beliefs of the Christian Church by Robert K. Welsh
Brochures and descriptions of DOC agencies and ministries
Books such as:
“Disciples: Who We are and What Holds Us Together” Kinnamon & Linn
“Journey in Faith” by Lester McAllister and William Tucker
“We Call Ourselves Disciples” by Kenneth Teegarden
“A Handbook for Today’s Disciples” by D. Duane Cummins
“What Sort of Church Are We?” by James O. Dukes
Biographies of Alexander Campbell, Raccoon John Smith and others
Include Disciple history and identity elements in worship liturgy, such as the full identity statement, The Preamble for the Design, songs such as “A Movement for Wholeness,” and “Dare to Be Disciples” by Darrell Faires
Study Disciple history and identity in church school
Creation of a learning fair for all ages
A fellowship meal followed by a speaker versed in Disciple history or dramatic impersonations of Disciple founders and leaders
Use D.I.D. as a way of relating to the church’s community through the church’s web site, social media, etc.
Find more information on the Identity page of the Disciples website.

Please let us know if you plan to participate and share your experience with us!

Rev. Ron Routledge, Regional Minister
ron.ccma@sbcglobal.net