Anglican Church vs. Church of Christ

Attribute	Anglican Church	Church of Christ
Founding Year	16th century	19th century
Beliefs	Trinitarian	Non-Trinitarian
Leadership	Bishops	Elders
Sacraments	7	2
Worship Style	Liturgical	Non-liturgical

History

The Anglican Church, also known as the Church of England, traces its roots back to the 16th century when King Henry VIII broke away from the Roman Catholic Church. The Church of Christ, on the other hand, has its origins in the Restoration Movement of the early 19th century in the United States. Both churches have a rich history of theological development and growth over the centuries.

Beliefs

The Anglican Church is known for its adherence to the three pillars of scripture, tradition, and reason. Anglicans believe in the authority of the Bible, the importance of tradition in interpreting scripture, and the use of reason to understand God's will. On the other hand, the Church of Christ places a strong emphasis on the New Testament as the sole authority for faith and practice. Members of the Church of Christ believe in the autonomy of each local congregation and the priesthood of all believers.

Worship

Anglican worship is characterized by its liturgical tradition, which includes the use of formal prayers, hymns, and sacraments such as Holy Communion. Anglicans follow a set order of worship known as the Book of Common Prayer. In contrast, the Church of Christ practices a simpler form of worship that focuses on acapella singing, prayer, and preaching. The Church of Christ does not use instrumental music in worship, as they believe it is not authorized in the New Testament.

Leadership

In the Anglican Church, leadership is hierarchical, with bishops overseeing dioceses and priests leading individual congregations. The Archbishop of Canterbury is considered the spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion. On the other hand, the Church of Christ practices a congregational form of government, where each local congregation is autonomous and self-governing. Elders are chosen from within the congregation to provide spiritual leadership and guidance.

Sacraments

The Anglican Church recognizes two sacraments, Baptism and Holy Communion, as outward signs of God's grace. Anglicans believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and practice infant baptism. In contrast, the Church of Christ practices baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sins and as a symbol of one's commitment to Christ. The Church of Christ does not believe in the real presence of Christ in the Lord's Supper.

Membership

Membership in the Anglican Church is typically based on baptism and confirmation, where individuals make a public commitment to follow Christ. Anglicans welcome all baptized Christians to participate in Holy Communion, regardless of denomination. On the other hand, membership in the Church of Christ is based on a believer's baptism by immersion and adherence to the teachings of the New Testament. The Church of Christ practices closed communion, where only baptized members of the church can partake in the Lord's Supper.

Outreach

Both the Anglican Church and the Church of Christ are actively involved in outreach and mission work. Anglicans participate in social justice initiatives, community service projects, and global mission efforts. The Church of Christ focuses on evangelism and spreading the gospel message to others. Members of the Church of Christ often engage in door-to-door evangelism and Bible studies to share their faith with others.

Conclusion

While the Anglican Church and the Church of Christ have some differences in their beliefs, worship practices, and leadership structures, both churches are committed to following Christ and spreading the gospel message. Whether you prefer the liturgical tradition of the Anglican Church or the simplicity of worship in the Church of Christ, both offer opportunities for spiritual growth and community involvement. Ultimately, both churches seek to honor God and serve others in their respective contexts.