disciples of christ: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowformal, religious
Quick answer
What does “disciples of christ” mean?
A specific Christian religious denomination, formally known as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), emphasizing New Testament practices, congregational autonomy, and unity among Christians.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific Christian religious denomination, formally known as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), emphasizing New Testament practices, congregational autonomy, and unity among Christians.
The phrase can also refer literally to the original twelve followers of Jesus Christ in the New Testament narrative. In contemporary usage, it is overwhelmingly a proper noun referring to the denomination.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The denomination is predominantly North American. In the UK, the term is far less common and would primarily be recognized in academic or ecumenical religious contexts, not as a familiar cultural reference.
Connotations
In the US, it connotes a mainstream, moderate Protestant denomination. In the UK, due to its rarity, it lacks specific cultural connotations beyond its theological meaning.
Frequency
Much higher frequency in US English, particularly in regions with a strong historical presence of the denomination (e.g., the Midwest). Virtually absent from everyday British English.
Grammar
How to Use “disciples of christ” in a Sentence
[The] Disciples of Christ + singular verb (denotes institution)[Several] disciples of Christ + plural verb (denotes individuals)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “disciples of christ” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The group sought to disciple new members in the way of Christ.
American English
- She was discipled through a program at her church.
adjective
British English
- The Disciples' tradition is less common here.
American English
- He comes from a Disciples of Christ background.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, and American history contexts to discuss Protestantism, the Restoration Movement, or ecclesiology.
Everyday
Used almost exclusively by or in reference to members of the denomination in relevant communities.
Technical
A specific term in comparative religion and denominational studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “disciples of christ”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “disciples of christ”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “disciples of christ”
- Using lowercase ('disciples of christ') when referring to the denomination.
- Using a plural verb for the denominational entity (e.g., 'The Disciples of Christ are...' is incorrect when speaking of the institution; 'is' is correct).
- Confusing it with the unrelated 'Church of Christ' or 'United Church of Christ'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. They share a common historical root in the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement but are distinct modern denominations with different practices (e.g., the Disciples of Christ use musical instruments in worship, while many Churches of Christ do not).
When referring to the religious organization as a single entity, it is grammatically singular (e.g., 'The Disciples of Christ is...'). When referring to the individual members, it is plural (e.g., 'The disciples of Christ were gathered...').
Core beliefs include the centrality of Jesus Christ, the authority of the New Testament, believer's baptism by immersion, and weekly celebration of the Lord's Supper (Communion). They are known for a commitment to Christian unity.
It is most prevalent in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and Upper South. It has a much smaller presence in Canada and other parts of the world.
A specific Christian religious denomination, formally known as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), emphasizing New Testament practices, congregational autonomy, and unity among Christians.
Disciples of christ is usually formal, religious in register.
Disciples of christ: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈsaɪ.pəlz əv ˈkraɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈsaɪ.pəlz əv ˈkraɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Stone-Campbell movement (historical name for the tradition)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Disciples' follow Christ; this is a church that took that name literally as its identity.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRAND AS IDENTITY (The name functions as the brand/trademark of a specific religious organization).
Practice
Quiz
How should the name of the denomination be capitalized?