The International Church of Christ (ICOC) is a religious movement that arose from the Churches of Christ. It originated on the campus of the University of Florida in 1967. The ICOC is part of the Restoration Movement, which seeks to restore the practices and governance of the early church as described in the New Testament. Here is an overview of the ICOC’s history, beliefs, and practices:
History of the ICOC
The ICOC was founded by Kip McKean, who was converted while a student at the University of Florida. McKean believed that the Churches of Christ had strayed from the biblical pattern by becoming overly structured and institutionalized. He began implementing changes based on the example of the first-century church, emphasizing evangelism, discipling, and strict adherence to the Bible.
In 1979, McKean moved to the Lexington Church of Christ in Massachusetts. Over the next decade, he trained young ministers in his methods and sent them out to plant new churches. This led to rapid growth, with ICOC congregations established on college campuses and in major cities across the U.S. and then internationally. By 1998, it had grown into an international organization of over 400 churches with a membership of over 150,000.
However, the ICOC’s authoritarian leadership structure and extremely demanding discipleship practices led to controversy. Long work hours, high levels of commitment, and pressure to conform took a toll on many members. After McKean resigned in 2002, the ICOC instituted reforms to address these concerns, although some of the core beliefs and practices remained the same.
Beliefs and Practices
The ICOC considers itself the one true church established by Christ. It rejects denominational divisions and only recognizes its own congregations. ICOC beliefs include:
- Baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38)
- Weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper on Sunday (Acts 20:7)
- A cappella singing in worship (Ephesians 5:19)
- Congregational autonomy under a united central leadership
- Literal interpretation of the Bible
- Salvation by faith, repentance, confession, and baptism (Romans 10:9-10, Acts 2:38)
- The indwelling of the Holy Spirit following baptism (Acts 2:38)
- Speak where the Bible speaks, be silent where the Bible is silent
In practice, the ICOC has an authoritative structure. Elders oversee each congregation while leaders known as evangelists or ministry staff provide central direction. Members are expected to fully conform to ICOC teachings in both doctrine and lifestyle. Those who do not are subject to disfellowship.
The ICOC places great emphasis on numerical growth through evangelism, especially discipling college students. Members are urged to fully commit to the church’s mission. Extensive Bible studies and daily Scripture reading are strongly encouraged. Each member has a discipler who acts as a mentor and monitor of spiritual progress.
Critics have accused the ICOC of controlling and manipulating members. There are reports of leaders exercising authority in abusive ways, pressuring members over personal decisions, and censoring outside information. After reforms in the 2000s, the level of control has lessened but a high level of member commitment is still expected.
Church Governance and Leadership
The ICOC believes that church leadership should closely follow the New Testament model. Each individual congregation is led by a group of unpaid elders (Titus 1:5-9). Deacons assist with practical needs and service (1 Timothy 3:8-13). In addition, a staff of evangelists (preachers) provide teaching and organizational direction.
Historically, the central leadership of the ICOC resided in the role of the lead evangelist. Kip McKean served in this capacity until 2002. After reforms, leadership became more decentralized and collective. An elder body called the Service Team now gives general oversight to the worldwide movement. Regional leaders and advisory bodies provide input.
Critics argue that this structure is still authoritarian, as those in top leadership positions exercise a great deal of authority over churches, appointing elders and evangelists. However, the ICOC maintains that this allows them to maintain doctrinal unity and effect global evangelistic goals.
Controversies
A number of controversies have surrounded the ICOC over issues of doctrine, authority, and member experiences:
- Exclusivism – The ICOC views itself as the one true church and rejects all other denominations and Christian groups.
- Authoritarian leadership – Leaders have been accused of abusive and controlling practices. Reforms have attempted to address this.
- Pressure tactics – Zealous discipling and expectations to commit have led to burnout and mental health issues for some members.
- Elitism – Emphasis on numerical growth led to pride and judgmental attitudes toward those outside the ICOC.
- Disfellowshipping – Former members claim they were cut off from friends and family after leaving or being expelled from the church.
- Marriage and dating – Leaders exerted inappropriate control and condemnation over members social lives.
The ICOC remains controversial among other Churches of Christ and Christian groups. Apologists argue its merits while countercult groups condemn it as abusive. The ICOC maintains its practices are firmly biblical despite criticisms.
The ICOC Today
Following reforms in the 2000s, the ICOC claims a membership of over 650 congregations in 170 countries. Growth in developing world nations offsets declines in the U.S. The ICOC actively plants new churches and expands through evangelistic campaigns, especially on college campuses.
Central leadership and core beliefs remain largely intact. However, reforms have sought to address past abuses by promoting servant leadership and a grace-focused ethos. Women have also begun taking on more prominent roles. Extensive discipling is still emphasized but with less overt control over members’ personal lives.
Most ICOC congregations continue to exhibit revivalistic fervor. Services consist of singing, communion, prayers, confession of sins, and biblically-focused sermons. Members are united by the common mission of worldwide evangelism and strict adherence to their understanding of the Bible and early church practices.
Theological Controversies and Issues
As a movement that claims to strictly adhere to biblical patterns, the ICOC’s doctrines and practices have come under scrutiny. Some key theological controversies include:
- Baptismal regeneration – Critics argue the ICOC’s view that baptism is required for salvation amounts to a salvation by works versus grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- Holy Spirit – The indwelling of the Spirit only after baptism is seen by some as a deviation from mainstream pneumatology.
- Two-part nature of man – The ICOC view of spirit/soul vs. trichotomism (body, soul, spirit) is debated.
- Instrumental music – A cappella singing has been controversial since the early Restoration Movement.
- Role of women – Despite some changes, women are still restricted from roles like preaching and elder.
- Divorce and remarriage – The ICOC position is very restrictive, even barring remarriage after divorce.
- Disfellowshipping – The ICOC practice of withdrawing fellowship from those deemed unrepentant is seen as unbiblical shunning by critics.
Defenders of ICOC doctrine cite biblical patterns for their positions. But critics claim legalism and deviation from orthodox doctrine. This illustrates the tensions that can arise between strictly biblical approaches and mainstream evangelical theology.
Comparison to Churches of Christ
Since it emerged from the Churches of Christ, the ICOC bears many similarities. Both share roots in the Restoration Movement and beliefs like baptism by immersion for forgiveness of sins. However, there are also distinct differences:
- The ICOC recognizes itself as the only true church, while Churches of Christ see themselves as independently autonomous.
- The ICOC has a centralized leadership structure; Churches of Christ congregations are self-governing.
- The ICOC actively proselytizes for converts and plants churches; Churches of Christ put less emphasis on outreach.
- Worship in the ICOC has a more emotionally expressive and revivalist tone.
- The ICOC exercises church discipline by withdrawal of fellowship; the Churches of Christ emphasize autonomy.
These differences reflect the ICOC’s origin as a reform movement seeking to address perceived institutionalization and lack of evangelistic zeal in the Churches of Christ. This has led to ongoing tensions between the two groups.
Evaluation from Other Christians
The ICOC is viewed controversially by many Christian scholars, apologists, and countercult groups. Positives highlighted include:
- Commitment to doctrinal purity and basing all practices directly on Scripture.
- Zeal for numerical growth and evangelism, especially among youth.
- Tight-knit communal spirit and abundant lay involvement.
- Willingness to self-critique and institute reforms.
However, concerns raised include:
- Exclusivist ecclesiology that rejects other churches.
- Legalistic patterns of discipleship.
- Overemphasis on numerical growth and organizational unity over spiritual formation.
- History of authoritarian leadership and pressure tactics.
- Lack of accountability despite reforms.
- Unorthodox doctrines like baptismal regeneration.
There are also debates over to what degree the ICOC represents a biblically faithful movement vs. an unhealthy religious group. Scholars continue to assess the ICOC’s merits and weaknesses.
Conclusion
The ICOC represents a complex and controversial religious movement. On the positive side, it has inspired members with spiritual zeal and commitment to evangelism. However, its history of legalism, elitism, authoritarianism, and unorthodox doctrine are deeply troubling.
The ICOC sees itself as the one true church called to unite all believers. But its exclusivism has led to tension and separation from other believers. While reforms have addressed some problems, issues remain with control over members’ lives.
For Christians seeking biblical truth, both the merits and weaknesses of the ICOC deserve consideration. Its sincere desire to recapture New Testament Christianity is commendable. Yet in practice, it has often promoted doctrinal error and abusive submission to human authority. Discernment and testing of the spirits against Scripture is needed (1 John 4:1).