World Convention of Churches of Christ

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The World Convention of Churches of Christ is a Christian world community that links Restoration Movement churches. These churches are known by several names, including Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, Churches of Christ, and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

The first Global Gathering was held in Washington, D.C., in 1930, started by evangelist Jesse Bader. Since then, the convention has continued to organize regular international gatherings. The 19th Global Gathering took place in Damoh, India, on January 12–15, 2018, and a planned gathering for Manzini, Swaziland, was postponed due to internal tensions. Between gatherings, the World Convention works to build relationships among member churches and promote Christian unity around the world.

Governance and offices
- The World Convention is governed by an international board of about 20 members, currently led by Paul Chimhungwe of Swaziland.
- Its offices are in Nashville, Tennessee.
- Gary Holloway serves as Executive Director (General Secretary). He travels the world to preach, teach, and encourage Christians on behalf of the World Convention and represents the Stone-Campbell Movement at ecumenical and world communion meetings.

Membership and reach
- The convention features National Profiles of the 199 countries where Stone-Campbell Movement churches are present.
- Churches participating in the convention come from more than 195 countries and represent a range of beliefs and practices. The movement traces its roots to the 19th century in both the United Kingdom (leaders such as William Jones and James Wallis) and the United States (leaders such as Barton Stone and Alexander Campbell).

Origins and history
- Jesse Bader began the first global gathering after attending a similar Baptist World Alliance meeting in 1925. He canvassed leaders in several countries, and the World Convention of Churches of Christ was formed.
- The first gathering in October 1930 in Washington, D.C., drew up to 10,000 attendees and featured an afternoon tea at the White House hosted by President Herbert Hoover and the First Lady.
- Bader served as the convention’s first president (1930–1935) and as its first general secretary until his death. The Bader Lecture in Contemporary Evangelism began in 1970 in his honor.

Mission and identity
- The World Convention emphasizes both common features with the wider Christian Church and the unique gifts it brings to the global church. Its mission statement speaks of reconciliation in Christ and a call to proclaim good news to the world. It aims to foster fellowship, understanding, and common purpose within this global family of churches and to relate them to the whole Church for unity in Christ Jesus.

Distinctives and relationships
- The World Convention supports Global Women Connecting, a related organization for women in Stone-Campbell heritage, but operates as a separate administrative body.