Bible - The only authoritative guide for Christian living and faith. While recognizing the special training of ordained ministers, any member can give leadership in place of an ordained minister . It may be administered by lay people and is open to all Christians of any denomination. It is for mature individuals who are old enough to make their own decision, and is done by immersion in water, as the New Testament practice, symbolizing Christ's death, burial and resurrection. Unity of All Christians - Doctrines and human differences should not be allowed to divide believers from each other.
Most congregations are active in ecumenical work in their communities.
In Scotland the teachings of John Glas , and James and Robert Haldane , influenced Alexander Campbell, while Archibald McLean started the Scotch Baptist Church which founded many congregations in Canada which later joined the Campbell-Stone Church.