World Convention of Churches of Christ

The World Convention of Churches of Christ is a Christian world communion that links Restoration Movement churches known by a range of names including Christian churches and churches of Christ, Churches of Christ, and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The first Global Gathering of the World Convention was held in Washington, D.C. in 1930 at the initiative of evangelist Jesse Bader. The convention continues to organize regular international gatherings. The 19th Global Gathering was held in Damoh, India, January 12–15, 2018 and the next was scheduled for Manzini, Swaziland but postponed because of "internal tensions". Between these events, the World Convention seeks to build effective relationships among its member churches and promote Christian unity across the world. The world convention is governed by an international board of about 20 members, currently presided by Paul Chimhungwe of Swaziland. Its offices are located in Nashville, Tennessee. Gary Holloway serves as Executive Director (General Secretary). The Executive Director travels the world preaching, teaching, and encouraging Christians on behalf of World Convention. They also represent the Stone-Campbell Movement family at a number of international ecumenical/world communion meetings. The World Convention website has a number of features, including National Profiles of the 199 countries where Stone-Campbell Movement Churches have a presence. History The churches who participate in the convention all grew out of the 19th Century Restoration Movement with origins in both the United Kingdom (with leaders such as William Jones and James Wallis) and the United States of America (with leaders such as Barton Stone and Alexander Campbell). Congregations participating in the Convention come from more than 195 countries and represent a range of beliefs and practices. National profiles are made available for many.