“Love God. Love People.” That’s the motto of many churches but especially true of a church here in Tampa. I am excited to share some history about the Church of Christ.
The Church of Christ is not just a building. It is a family. It is a group of believers. They live out their faith. Their hope is placed in Jesus Christ. God’s Word is central to everything. His message drives their community. This message is of love, forgiveness, and salvation.
The Church of Christ welcomes everyone. Whether you are on vacation or seeking a new church home, you are welcome. They invite you to join them for worship. They offer both in-person and online services. The church also provides many opportunities. You can grow in your faith. You can change the world by loving your neighbors.
The Church of Christ believes in grace alone. God loves everyone even though we are sinful. We rebel against Him. We don’t deserve His love. They also believe in Scripture alone. The Bible is God’s Word without error. He reveals His Law. He reveals His Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ.
Faith alone is another core belief. Jesus’ suffering and death is for all people of all time. He won forgiveness and eternal life for everyone. Those who believe this Good News will have eternal life. The Church of Christ believes God has made them part of His family. Through the Church, God equips and sends them. They love their neighbors. They share the good news about Jesus. God is for us.
The Church of Christ is part of the LCMS. Their Lutheran heritage grounds them. They stand by their teachings. These teachings point to Jesus. They point through Word and Sacrament. They reveal God’s heart. They show it through Law and Gospel.
One Church of Christ, Northside Church of Christ, has an interesting beginning. In 1990, Allen Cross and some brothers found a church building. It was located on N. 50th Street in Tampa. The congregation saved enough money. They made a down payment. Brothers signed off on the building. In 1994, Eric Doss became the minister. He served for about 13 years. The congregation was small with about 10 to 13 families. Northside has remained faithful. Luis R. Lugo and Arthur K. Taylor continue to preach. They teach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Another Church of Christ, Antioch Church of Christ, has a rich history. It was founded in the early 1800s. It’s the oldest Church of Christ in Hillsborough County. The church has been at its current location for over 40 years. As a Church of Christ, Antioch bases its beliefs on the New Testament. This means congregational singing is unaccompanied. Lessons are taught strictly from the Bible.
Antioch’s leaders, the church elders, are elected. They make operational decisions. These decisions are both business and spiritual. They decide who will preach. Phil Roberts and Thaxter Dickey are the primary preachers. Neither is formally ordained. Both are longtime members of the Antioch congregation.
Services at Antioch include Bible classes. These are divided by age groups. They are sometimes divided by subject matter. Worship services include singing, the Lord’s Supper, contribution, and a sermon. Although Antioch is not affiliated with Florida College, the school requires students and faculty to be members of a Church of Christ. With Antioch close to the school, attendance climbs during the school year.
Remember that you’re welcome. Whether it’s Family of Christ, Northside, Antioch or another Church of Christ. You are welcome in the Church of Christ. These congregations exemplify love. They exemplify faith. They invite you to find your place within their community.