The International Churches of Christ Faces Criticism Over Discipleship Practices and Growth Strategy

The International Churches of Christ (ICC), a rapidly growing Christian movement, has drawn both admiration and criticism for its approach to discipleship and evangelism. With an annual growth rate exceeding 10 percent, the ICC reports 143,000 members across 292 congregations, including 34 churches with weekly attendances of at least 1,000. Approximately 80 of these congregations are located in the United States, while the movement operates in 115 countries. One of its stated goals is to establish a congregation in every city with a population of at least 100,000 by the year 2000.

The ICC’s emphasis on discipleship, which some former members describe as coercive and controlling, has sparked controversy. Religion scholars and campus ministers have raised concerns about the group’s practices, including its policy of rebaptizing Christians from other denominations. This has led to tensions with other Christian groups, who view the ICC’s claim of being the “faithful remnant” church as overly exclusive.

Al Baird, an elder in the Los Angeles Church of Christ and the ICC’s top spokesperson, defends the group’s approach. He argues that the ICC’s focus on evangelism and discipleship is rooted in Scripture. “Jesus said to go and make disciples of all nations,” Baird told Christianity Today. “God’s plan for accomplishing that is revealed in the Bible. We’re trying to be the church that follows that plan.”

The ICC’s website emphasizes its unique teaching on discipleship as an essential part of the salvation process. This stance has positioned the group as distinct within the broader Christian landscape, particularly within the Restoration movement, which seeks to return to early Christian practices.

Robert Watts Thornburg, dean at Boston University’s Marsh Chapel, recalls encountering the ICC on campus in 1979, alongside the Unification Church. He has since expressed concern over the group’s influence, calling it “the most destructive religious group I’ve ever seen.” His critique highlights the ongoing debate about the ICC’s methods and their alignment with traditional Christian teachings.

The ICC’s global outreach, including its relief-and-development agency Hope Worldwide, which operates 100 projects in 30 countries, underscores its commitment to mission work. However, the group’s assertive evangelism and doctrinal distinctives continue to set it apart from other Christian denominations.

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