Membership of the church is heaviest in the southern states of the United States, particularly Tennessee, Kentucky, and Texas, though congregations exist in each of the 50 states and in more than 80 foreign countries. The Churches of Christ now have 5 times as many members as were reported in the U.S. Religious Census of 1936. Following the plan of organization found in the New Testament, Churches of Christ are completely autonomous. Their common faith in the Bible and adherence to its teachings are the chief ties which bind them together. There is no central headquarters of the church and no organization superior to the elders of each local congregation.
Congregations do cooperate voluntarily in some instances.
In each congregation, a group of elders are appointed to serve as spiritual leaders and the earthly authority for the congregation. Serving under the elders are deacons, teachers, and ministers. Deacons are nominated by the elders. The Bible is God's Word to all men. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of God through the Holy Spirit.