We are a small, though world-wide, community. We try to follow the simplicity of New Testament Christianity in a way which is relevant today.
Our Name
The name Christadelphian comes from two Greek words and means "Brothers (and Sisters) of Christ". The title was first coined during the American Civil War (1861-65) when the small group of believers in America needed an official name to receive exemption (for Christian reasons) from taking part in the War.
Numbers
The total number of Christadelphians in the world amounts to about 30,000. The Church in Edinburgh was founded in the 1850s and numbers around 40 members. Our Church is small enough for members to know one another well.
Our Services
We follow a simple pattern, with prayers, hymns, Bible readings and a talk by a member. We have no paid ministers, so we organise the services and other activities ourselves. The majority are involved in this, which leads to a variety of approach and much individual interest. All are encouraged to read the Bible, to have a sound knowledge of its teachings, and to apply these to daily attitudes and living.
What Are Christadelphian Beliefs?
Our main beliefs include:
- The world is created by God who has a purpose for it.
- God reveals this purpose in the Bible which is given to guide us into true belief and conduct.
- God sent his Son Jesus to tell mankind about himself and by Jesus' death to reconcile people to himself.
- Jesus established a community of believers (the Church) to live in obedience to God and to spread the knowledge of God.
- History is working towards the climax of God's purpose in the return of Jesus Christ to the earth. Jesus will bring about righteousness and peace.
- Men and women are separated from God by their sins and by their rejection of him, but can be reconciled by repentance and joining themselves to the Church by baptism (by adult immersion in water as in the New Testament).
- For the believers death is not the end, but they will sleep until the resurrection of the dead at the return of Jesus. The faithful will enjoy eternal life in the Kingdom of God.
- Those who have joined this Church seek to live a new life now in the power of God.
- This new life involves loving God and our neighbour. We therefore aim to help all in need - physically and spiritually.
What Do Christadelphians Do?
Amongst our activities we:
- Meet on Sunday mornings at 11.15 to worship God and to break bread in remembrance of the death and resurrection of Christ.
- Run a Sunday School and Young People's Study Class (Sundays 11.15).
- Hold Bible Discussion Classes on Wednesdays (7.45-9.00).
- Organise conferences and discussions to examine and promote Christian answers to problems of living in the modern world.
- Help the work of various charities in this country and overseas.
- Preach in various ways including by special meetings and discussions and by producing and distributing leaflets and magazines.
An Invitation
We, the Christadelphians in Edinburgh, believe we have a true and relevant understanding of God and his purpose. We invite you to come along to any of our services or activities, to examine what we believe, and to see whether the faith which gives us a reliable foundation to life could be yours too.
If you would like further details, please make contact.
We would like to show you the improvement to life which Jesus Christ can make for you. You will be under no obligation and no pressure will be put on you if you do not wish further contact.