So churches of Christ plead for religious unity based upon the Bible. We believe that to subscribe to any creed other than the New Testament, to refuse to obey any New Testament command, or to follow any practice not sustained by the New Testament is to add to or take away from the teachings of God. This is the reason the New Testament is the only rule of faith and practice we have in churches of Christ. The only tie which binds the many congregations together is a common allegiance to Christ and the Bible. There are no conventions, annual meetings, nor official publications.
Congregations do cooperate in supporting children's homes, homes for the elderly, mission work, etc.
However, participation is strictly voluntary on the part of each congregation and no person nor group issues policies or makes decisions for other congregations. Each congregation is governed locally by a plurality of elders selected from among the members. These are men who meet the specific qualifications for this office given in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. There are also deacons in each congregation. These must meet the biblical qualifications of 1 Timothy 3.