East 91st Street Christian Church is a product of what is known as "The Restoration Movement." In the early 1800's, several American ministers participated in public debates and exchange of documents discussing the disadvantages of denominational structures and beliefs. Out of the discussions emerged the thought of "restoring the church of the new testament" rather than reforming the existing churches.

The result was a movement that became one of the largest Christian groups indigenous to America. During the decade 1990-2000, this was the fastest growing evangelical group in America. Today, more than 100 of our congregations have more than 1,000 in attendance each week. The largest one is Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. They have 18,000 attending weekend services.

Churches of the Restoration Movement are not denominational in structure and are under the oversight of local elders.

"In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, and in all things love."

This is the basic philosophy of these churches. They are held together by a common commitment to have no creed but Christ and no book but the Bible.

"Not the only Christians but Christians only," describes our self image.

For Further Reading
I Just Want to Be A Christian
by Shelly Rubel
20th Century Christian Publishing

Introduction to the Restoration Ideal
by Marshall Leggett
Standard Publishing

The Faith Once for All: Bible Doctrine for Today
by Dr. Jack Cottrell
College Press Publishing

In Search of Christianity: A History of the Restoration Movement
by Henry Webb
Standard Publishing

Union in Truth
by Dr. James North
Standard Publishing

The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement
Editors, Paul Blowers, Anthony Dunnavant, Douglas Foster, D. Newell Williams
Eerdman's Publishing (2004)