The Disciples of Christ originated in the then frontier regions of western Pennsylvania, what was to become West Virginia, and Kentucky. Two key founders were Alexander Campbell (whose followers were called Disciples) and Barton Stone (whose followers were called Christians) ~~ thus the dual name of the denomination today. The Cane Ridge Revival in 1801 was a major event in the origin of the new denomination. The movement originated as an effort to do away with denominations by abolishing historic creeds. "Where the Bible speaks, we speak. Where the Bible is silent, we are silent." The only requirement was a confession of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Because of this, the Disciples have always been an inclusive fellowship incorporating people into one "family" who have a variety of Christian beliefs. The Disciples were part of the broader Restoration Movement intended to restore the primitive New Testament church. Reluctantly, the young movement gradually became a denomination itself. We share common roots with two other groups ~~ the Churches of Christ and the (Independent) Christian Churches.
What would strike the outsider as most distinctive about any Disciples of Christ congregation is that we celebrate communion every Sunday. Like the Baptists and the United Church of Christ, the local congregation makes all decisions affecting its affairs. Again like the Baptists, we practice baptism by immersion.
For more about our denomination, see our national Disciples' website. The national headquarters for the Disciples of Christ is located in Indianapolis.
Also, check out what Disciples in Indiana are doing.