From the Preface: "Did Churches of Christ really begin as a unity movement? Why didn't I know that?" "You mean we used to be called Disciples of Christ? I thought that was just another denomination." "Churches of Christ today believe and practice the same things we have from the beginning, don't we?" Statements like these by members of Churches of Christ reflect a serious lack of knowledge of our past and an increasing desire by many to know more of their heritage. This desire has led us to believe there is a need for a brief account of the history of Churches of Christ. This book hopes to serve newcomers and even long-time members of the church by giving them insights into our heritage. It also is an introduction to this significant group of churches for those unfamiliar with its place in American Christianity.