There are no conventions, annual meetings or official publications of the church of Christ. The "tie that binds" is a common loyalty to the principles of the restoration of New Testament Chrisitanity.

How are the churches of Christ governed?

In each congregation, which has existed long enough to become fully organized, there are elders who serve as the governing body. These men are selected on the basis of qualifications set down in the scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-8). Serving under the elders are deacons, teachers, and evangelists or ministers. The latter do not have the authority equal to or superior to the elders. The elders are shepherds or overseers who serve under the headship of Christ according to the New Testament. There is no earthly authority superior to the elders of the local church.

Lord's Table: On every Sunday we assemble to observe the Lord's Supper.

• WHEN: Upon the first day of the week (Acts 20:7).
• WHERE: Where gathered together (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:20).
• HOW: Worthy manner (~1 Corinthians 11:27~).
• WHY: To remember Jesus (~1 Corinthians 11:23-26~).

Collection: In our Sunday assembly, we give back to the church as we have prospered to meet the needs of the church in teaching and benevolence. (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:7)

Prayer: At every assembly, we express our thanksgiving to God and ask for His blessings (~1 Timothy 2:8~, ~Acts 2:42~; ~1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 & 25~)

Singing: We join together in enthusiastic congregational non-instrumental singing. We sing to praise God and exhort one another, not for entertainment. It is ordered by God that we all sing regardless of our skill level. (~Ephesians 5:19~, ~Colossians 3:16~, ~Hebrews 13:15~ & ~1 Corinthians 14:15~)

Preaching and teaching: Accurate and relevant Bible teaching is an important element of our assemblies. We must have Scriptural authority for everything that we do as Christians and as a church. The Bible is the inspired Word of God, and it is all that we use to determine our practices and beliefs. We cannot add to nor take away from God's word. (~Titus 2:1-2~; ~2 Timothy 4:2-5~).

Woman's Role in the Church: The Bible speaks of how women are to conduct themselves in worship. The Bible does not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man (~1 Timothy 2:11-13~). God's word says it is not permitted which means it is forbidden. When we do things that are forbidden by God it is sin. It is sin which separates man from God and sin will cause people to be eternally lost. In Genesis we see what happened when Eve took the spiritual leadership over her husband and what happened when Adam failed to exercise spiritual leadership over his wife. Because of this Satan was able to introduce sin into the world (Genesis 3:1-19).

During the worship of the church, women are not permitted by the Lord to preach, lead prayer, lead singing, or take a leading role over man (~1 Corinthians 14:34~). Women are not to teach Bible classes where men are present because they are not "to teach or to have authority over man". This does not preclude women from singing in the worship service or teaching children or lady's Bible classes. Many people do not approve of what God has said, but this is still God's business. Who are we to question God?

God intends for women to be subordinate to men in worship. When a woman gets up before the church with men present to teach, preach, lead prayer or singing, or serve on the Lord's table, she is in violation of what God has commanded. Worship becomes vain or useless when we follow the desires of men instead of what God has specified (~Mark 7:7~). For us to ignore what God has said is sin. (Based on Role Of Women In The Church By Ron Boatwright; www.churchofchristrockford.com)