The church first began on the day of Pentecost after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, A.D.33, in Jerusalem (Acts 2).  This was in concordance to the many biblical prophecies written hundreds of years before being fulfilled (Isaiah 2:2-3;  Joel 2:28-3:2).  The book of Acts is a history of the early church and the disciples suffered persecution proclaiming the gospel.

After the death of the Apostles, the Lord's church abandoned from the New Testament pattern.  The Roman Catholic Church had developed by departing from the Christianity pattern of proclaiming Jesus Christ as the head of the church in selecting the first Pope in A.D. 606.  Then in A.D. 1517, a Catholic priest named Martin Luther protested with petitions against the practice of indulging selfish desires and human creeds in Wittenberg, Germany.  This was the beginning of "The Reformation Movement."  Through the efforts of other reformers this movement spread throughout Europe and the British Isles.  John Calvin, John Knox, and Huldreich Zwigli created new churches in opposition to the Catholic Church and they are now known as Lutherans.  "The Reformation Movement" attempted to improve the Catholic Church.

A different group formed called "The Restoration Movement," in effort to restore the original New Testament Church from the Protestant denominations and the Catholics.  Several religious men from different religious backgrounds were involved in "The Restoration Movement."

A.D. 33    The Lord's Church established in Jerusalem (Acts 2).

A.D. 606    After the death of the Apostles, the church's pattern was altered through the development of the Catholic Church by selecting the first pope.

A.D. 1517    A Catholic Priest, Martin Luther protested against the practices creating the Reformation Movement.   

A.D. 1530    Through the efforts of other Reformers in opposition of the Catholic Church, other churches were organized; the Lutheran Church.

A.D. 1534    Through the Reformation the Episcopal Church is formed.

A.D. 1536    Through the Reformation the Presbyterian Church is formed.

A.D. 1611    Through the Reformation the Baptist Church is formed.

A.D. 1739    Through the Reformation the Methodist Church is formed.

1730      John Glas organized Independent Churches in Scotland.

1765     Robert Sandeman established the church according to the New Testament in Portsmouth, NH.

1794     James O'Kelly, a former Methodist preacher, forms a Christian Church in Surry County, VA.

1798     Greville Ewing left the church of Scotland forming a congregational church.

1799    James and Robert Haldane started an independent church in Edinburgh, Scotland.

1801    Abner Jones, former Baptist preacher organized a Christian Church in Lyndon, VT.  Barton W. Stone, a Presbyterian preacher, leads the Restoration Movement.

1802    Elias Smith proclaimed that followers of Christ should wear the name of Christian only denouncing other man-made catechisms, organizing independent churches.

1804    John Walker forms independent churches in Ireland.

1807    Church of Christ established in Antioch, GA.  Independent churches spread throughout America.

1811    Alexander Campbell organized the Independent church.

"The Restoration Movement" continued to convert the Catholics and Protestants back to the New Testament Christianity.  It is impossible to define a founder of the Churches of Christ because these leaders were independent and unaware of each other.  The purpose of "The Restoration Movement" was to restore undenominational Christianity to practice the biblical plan of salvation by the gospel of Christ.  The congregation depends fully on the Bible without earthly headquarters or human creeds.

For More Information Contact:

eastsidecc@msn.com