The Churches of Christ are a group of Christian congregations that emphasize the authority of the New Testament and the importance of baptism for salvation. They believe in a simple, New Testament-based worship style, often featuring a cappella singing and a focus on scripture. Each congregation is autonomous, meaning they govern themselves without a central hierarchy. Members of the Churches of Christ strive for unity among believers and often engage in community service and evangelism. They reject creeds and human traditions, advocating for a return to the practices of the early Christian church as described in the Bible.