Our Story
In recent decades, within the Disciples of Christ division has begun to occur. Since 1985 Disciple Renewal has been challenging the theological liberalism that has grown up in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination that formed in 1968 out of the old International Convention of Christian Churches. Disciple Renewal began with a commitment to work within the denomination for change and spiritual renewal. Unfortunately, as time went by it became clear that the denomination was totally closed to change or challenge, and Disciple Renewal formed Disciple Heritage Fellowship as a gathering point for those who left the denomination and for evangelicals who were still in the denomination.
Though no one wanted to see division, division is slowly taking place. This division is different, though. For the first time, division is focused on the founding principles of the movement, not just the working out of the details.
The Disciples of Christ have abandoned belief in the inspiration and reliability of the Bible, they deny that there is a consistent New Testament faith to which we can return, and they have traded the idea of unity around biblical essentials for unity by negotiation between denominational bodies.
DHF is a center of fellowship for churches, pastors and individuals who still believe the message of our movement. We are open to those within the Disciples of Christ denomination who want to be strengthened by fellowship with other evangelicals who share the Campbell/Stone roots. We are open to those who have left the denomination and want to find relationship, teaching and identity through a non-denominational fellowship. We are open to those from other Campbell/Stone traditions who want a fellowship in this tradition without the legalism of some of the branches of the movement. We are open to those with no Campbell/Stone roots who identify with the core principles of our movement.