An Explanation
Retrieved verbatim by Pat Darnell | McTavish, TJM. c2005. A Theological Miscellany
[Page 89 ...]
The term restoration churches refers to groups that have formed to restore what they believe to be the practice of the New Testament church, renouncing all creeds and holding only to the Bible as their authority. The movement began in North America in the early 1800's and is also called the "Christians-only-movement." It had two main thrusts
- emulating the New Testament church
- restoring the unity of the Church by avoiding denominational structures
Over time the movement divided between these two aims. Those stressing early Christian practices largely withdrew from contact with other churches while those who sought unity other churches lost many of the "primitive" or early Christian traits.
In the process, the movement to end denominational-ism resulted in the formation of many new denominations, though. [M]ost restorations groups refuse to be considered denominations and avoid organizations and avoid organizations that officially link their local churches.
Because many of these churches call themselves "Christian" or "Churches of Christ" it is often hard to tell which branch of the movement they belong to.
Thus:
Groups stemming from the "Christians Only" movement include:
- Christian Church -- Disciples of Christ
- Christian Churches and Churches of Christ -- Independent
- Churches of Christ -- Non-instrumental
- International Churches of Christ -- "Crossroads" or "Boston" movement
