Christian churches and churches of Christ

[3] Churches in this tradition are strongly congregationalist and have no formal denominational ties, and thus there is no proper name that is agreed upon and applied to the movement as a whole.

Though isolated exceptions may occur, it is generally agreed within the movement that no personal or family names should be attached to a congregation which Christ purchased and established with his own blood, though geographical labels are acceptable.

[8] The roots of the separation date back to a polarization that occurred during the early twentieth century as the result of three significant controversies.

[8] These controversies surrounded theological modernism, the impact of the ecumenical movement, and open membership (recognizing as full members individuals who had not been baptized by immersion).

[8] An existing brotherhood journal, the Christian Standard, also served as a source of cohesion for these congregations.

Following the basic principles of the 'Restoration Movement', they accept and teach believers' baptism by immersion into Christ for the forgiveness of sins; they assemble for worship on the first day of the week, also following Biblical example or inference regarding observance of the Lord's Supper part of worship.

Worship also includes congregational a cappella singing of hymns, prayer, free-will monetary contribution (from the local congregation's members) as well as preaching of the Gospel, frequently in concert with other applicable Bible-based topics.