Here’s a throwback episode with historian Jean Addams. We discussed similarities and differences between LDS and Church of Christ (Temple Lot) worship services back in 2020. I stopped by and saw them this past week and thought it would be fun to re-visit this episode.
We’re diving into the world of the Church of Christ (Temple Lot), drawing on insights shared by historian Jean Addams. Having attended their services and conducted research, Addams offers a unique perspective on this faith community.
The Church of Christ (Temple Lot) shares some similarities with LDS Church services but also has distinct differences. Like LDS services, they have opening and closing prayers, scheduled speakers, and congregational singing. However, their sacrament meeting is different.
Distinct Worship Practices
- Sacrament: The sacrament is administered only once a month. When Jean visited, he said a notable difference was their continued use of the common cup – they used two common cups and two red trays that are passed down each row. This ordinance is reserved for baptized members of their church. However, when Rick attended in 2025, they used individual cups that looked quite similar to LDS sacrament cups.
- Administration: As part of their service, they include time for anyone needing administration for sickness or other afflictions. Elders are called upon to administer to individuals right there in the chapel during the service.
- Prayer: For most prayers, the entire congregation kneels.
- Sunday School: If you attend a Sunday school class on the Book of Mormon, it would sound very similar to an LDS Gospel Doctrine class.
Structure, Leadership, and Priesthood
The Church of Christ (Temple Lot) uses different terminology for some leadership roles. They tend to use “Presiding Elder” instead of “Bishop,” and they do not use the term “pastor.” Leaders like the Presiding Elder are generally elected by the congregation, with term lengths varying.
Within the Council of Apostles, there is no single person designated as being “in charge” of the church. While the senior member might sometimes lead by precedent, they are just one of the twelve. Interestingly, they have gone years without having a full quorum of twelve apostles, sometimes having as few as seven.
Regarding the priesthood, it is held by men. The emphasis isn’t the same as the LDS Church’s focus on the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods for boys. It is mentioned that there are faithful members who have never held the priesthood in their lives, including men in positions of importance.
Unique Ordinances and Practices
- Baptism: The decision of when to be baptized is left up to the individual. As a result, most members are not baptized until at least their teens, with 12 being mentioned as potentially the youngest, and many are baptized even later. Baptism is performed by immersion. This differs from the practice in the LDS Church where children are typically baptized around age eight.
- Baby Blessing: In the Church of Christ (Temple Lot), the baby is brought before the elders of the church for a blessing. Unlike the LDS practice where the father typically blesses the baby, the elders perform this ordinance. The parents usually select who they would like from the elders to give the blessing, often a family friend.
- Speaking in Tongues: While rare, speaking in tongues has occurred in the Church of Christ (Temple Lot). It is understood that there should be someone present to provide a translation.
Women’s Roles
The role of women in the church is different. While they had women missionaries in the 1930s, they reportedly backed away from this practice. When asked about women speaking in church, leaders stated that this is strictly a priesthood responsibility. It was also observed and stated by others that women generally do not pray in church. They do have their own organization, somewhat similar to the Relief Society, and women lead music and perform other functions.
Geographic Organization and Presence
Instead of referring to congregations as wards, branches, or congregations, the Church of Christ (Temple Lot) calls them “locals.” The main location in Independence, Missouri, is called the Temple Lot local. There is also an East Independence local. Members are not bound by geographic boundaries and can attend whichever local they choose, similar to the Community of Christ.
Outside of Independence, their second largest concentration is in the Phoenix, Arizona area. They also have congregations scattered around the country. Internationally, they have had notable missionary successes. Initially, they saw great success in the Yucatan area of Mexico, which remains a significant area for them, and one of their apostles is from there. Subsequent successes have been seen in the Philippines, which is probably their second major area, and then Kenya. They also have a fairly good congregation in Honduras.
In the United States and Canada combined, there are approximately a thousand members, though this number might be generous. Roughly half of these members are likely in Missouri, with the next largest group in the Phoenix area. Many of their locals are small. Jean expresses admiration for their tenacity and notes that funding their missionary efforts must be a significant challenge. They have experienced growth in areas where the LDS Church and Community of Christ have also seen successes, as has the Remnant Church and the Bickertonites.
Further Research
Historian Jean Addams has written a book on the subject titled “Upon the Temple Lot: The Church of Christ Quest to Build the House of the Lord,” published around 2010 or 2011. This book covers the topics discussed and is about 180 pages. He has also published several articles on the Church of Christ and plans a future project on the redemption of Zion, covering the return of various churches to Jackson County, including the Church of Christ (Temple Lot), Community of Christ, LDS, and Cutlerites.
Addams noted having wonderful friends who are active members of the Church of Christ (Temple Lot) and has enjoyed dining, talking, and studying with them. This glimpse into the Church of Christ (Temple Lot) highlights both shared heritage and unique pathways taken by different branches of the Latter Day Saint movement.
Have you attended their services?
Don’t miss our other conversations with Jean!
379: 3 Church Reconciliation? (Addams)
378: Comparing LDS & Church of Christ Theology (Addams)
377: LDS/Church of Christ Alliance (Addams)
376: Jones Flournoy’s Ties to Restoration (Addams)
375: Dispute Over the Temple Lot (Addams)
374: Intro to Church of Christ (Temple Lot) (Addams)
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