FAQ's

This ministry began focused on serving the Stone-Campbell Movement and beyond. Thus many associated with CGU find membership within this heritage. And yet, the founders of this tradition held "that the Church of Christ upon earth is essentially, intentionally, and constitutionally one; consisting of all those in every place that profess their faith in Christ and obedience to him in all things according to the Scriptures." Therefore, we seek fellowship with those who belong to Jesus. Thus, Some have asked who or what is the Stone Campbell Restoration Movement.

Congregations from the Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ , Churches of Christ , International Churches of Christ (ICOC) , and Disciples of Christ are major branches that find their roots in the “Stone Campbell Restoration Movement ” (SCM) – also called the American Restoration Movement . 

Barton Stone and Alexander Campbell were influential leaders who desired to unite Christians from all the sects in union and in truth. Their intent was not to form a new sect or denomination. They wanted to be Christians only and did not view themselves as the only Christians. They believed in congregation governance and the Bible as the sole authority regarding faith and practice. They saw themselves as reformers of the Christian faith. It was not until later that the Movement became known as the “American Restoration Movement.”

While they were alive, the influence of Stone and Campbell held the movement together. After they died, leaders arose that did not share their commitment to unity in diversity.  

The first major division officially occurred in 1906. The second major division occurred in 1968 between what became known as the Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ (Christian Church) and the Disciples of Christ (also known as the Christian Church). The International Churches of Christ (ICOC) arose out of the Churches of Christ beginning with a 1970s movement focused on discipleship and evangelism. Each of these divisions developed over many years, if not decades. Recently there has been an increased appetite for greater unity among the members of this movement. The realization of this dream is our hope and prayer. For more information see the CGU media page (SCM History) where you can find the following video http://blueridgechristiancolumbia.org/videos/RM.Timeline.(1).mp4 among other materials. Additional information can be found at h ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restoration_Movement or http://www.therestorationmovement.com/ .    

Common Grounds Unity chapter meetings usually meet quarterly, however, due to Covid-19 all meetings are currently meeting on Zoom. You can find scheduled meetings by going to our location and calendar page www.commongroundsunity.org/calendar . During this time some locations are combining and we may also offer global meeting - you are welcome to attend any of the CGU meetings. 

There are various ways to participate in CGU if there is not a meeting in your area: 1. You can start a new meeting in your area ( see www.commongroundsunity.org/start-chapter ); 2. Join the Facebook Group (private discussion page); 3. Like our Facebook page (public); an d, 4. Sign up for our weekly email . If there not is a meeting in your area please join us on the above platforms.  

We have found it generally takes a few hours per week of focused time to start meeting. Once a meeting is established it generally takes a few hours per month to maintain and advance the development of a meeting.  

We have connected with many who are interested in participating in a Common Grounds Unity meeting. Since each meeting is independently governed it takes at least one leader willing to devote the time and effort into group development. Therefore we first seek to find local leadership before launching an meeting. However, we do have emerging meeting for the purpose of gathering local contact information and introducing unity-minded Christians.  

Please find current groups at our FIND US page and if you are interested in starting a meeting please go to our START CHAPTER page or email Russ Kirkpatrick at russelljkirkpatrick@gmail.com . Additionally, please consider joining the Facebook Group and post your desire to connect in your area. I you are interested in facilitating an emerging meeting we can add your contact information to our map as a point of contact. See the map and meeting's calendar of event on the Common Grounds Unity website at www.commongroundsunity.org/calendar .