Background
Since each church of Christ is an individual entity and no one body governs all the churches of Christ, each worship service is a little different from the next, though most share common practices and beliefs.
We want to be a Bible-centered church. And we try to be. Yet we know that our conclusions aren't flawless, and that our practices are sometimes colored by habit, preference, tradition, or convenience.
The Setting
Some churches of Christ meet in homes or rented facilities. Many, for the sake of convenience, have built a church building. We meet in our building on N Cherry St/Hwy 1 North.
When you meet with us, you will enter what we refer to as the "auditorium." There will be pews for the worshippers, and there are no reserved seats, so feel free to sit anywhere you choose.
Singing
In a bookrack near you, there will be a songbook for your use. When the song leader announces a number, you can turn to that number in the songbook to fing the words and music. Sometimes, the song leader will choose to use the overhead projector to show words to a song that is not in the songbook. Usually, those words can also be found in an insert in the bulletin you'll receive when you enter.
One of the unique things about churches of Christ--and something you may find strange--is that the music is "a cappella." That is, we sing without the accompaniment of musical instruments.
This is a conviction with us, not just a preference. It has roots in our restoration heritage. We are seeking to worship according to the New Testament pattern. Since the New Testament leaves instrumental music out, we believe it's best to exclude it too.(1)
You may consider us narrow on this point, but we believe you will respect our reason for it, and our conviction. And we think you'll find the singing meaningful, with everyone being invited to participate.
Prayers
There will be several prayers during the service. Inserted in the bulletin, you will find a prayer request form that you may want to fill out, so the church can pray for your specific needs and requests.
Preaching
You will notice that the preacher doesn't have a title. He won't be referred to as Pastor or Reverend. He will probably be referred to as brother or mister. Or, possibly, just called by his first name.
He won't be wearing any ecclesiastical vestments which set him apart.
The reason for this is our belief in the priesthood of all believers. That all are equal.(2)
The sermon will likely be from 20-30 minutes long. We think you will find it refreshingly Bible-centered.
Invitation
At the close of the sermon, the preacher will "extend an invitation." This is simply an expedient time to invite those who are moved to come forward to make a commitment, ask for forgiveness, or request prayer support.
He will encourage those who wish to "respond" to come to the front of the auditorium while the congregation sings.
Don't feel ill-at-ease during this invitation. You will not be singled out in any way. There may be several who respond or there may be none.
Some may respond for baptism. Some to confess sins. Some to ask for prayer for a specific need. Some to "identify themselves" or "place membership" with this church.
If anyone responds for baptism, you will witness the baptism during the service. The baptism will be by immersion.(3) And it will be for the remission of sins.(4)
Lord's Supper
If you visit on a Sunday morning, the Lord's Supper will be included in the worship proceedings--because churches of Christ observe this memorial every Sunday.
Again,
the reason for this is our desire to follow the New Testament teaching. The first century church celebrated this observance of Christ on the first day of the week.(5)
We assume from this that they did it the first day of every week. And we know from respected historians that in early centuries, the Lord's Supper was an every-Sunday commemoration.(6)
During this memorial, plates containing piece of unleavened bread will be passed throughout the congregation. The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus.(7) Each participating person will break off a piece of the bread and eat it.
Next, trays filled with small cups will be distributed. The cups will contain "fruit of the vine," usually grape juice, symbolizing the blood of Jesus.(7) Each participant will drink the contents of one of the cups.
If you choose not to participate, don't be embarrassed. Feel free to just pass the plate or tray to the person next to you.
Offering
Also, if you visit on a Sunday morning, containers will be passed to collect the weekly financial offering.(8)
As our guest, you are not expected to make a donation. Feel perfectly comfortable in just passing the collection plate on down the row.
What Will Be Expected Of You
Nothing at all! You are welcome to participate. But don't feel obliged to. You may also just observe, if that is your choice.
You may be asked to fill out an Attendance Card. This simply provides information so the church can write or call to thank you for your visit. Supply the information if you are comfortable doing so. But feel free to decline this request if you prefer.
*Most text taken from "What You Can Expect When You Visit the Church of Christ," by Joe R. Barnett, Copyright ©1992 Pathway, Inc.
1. 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:18-19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12
2. Matthew 23:8-12; Galatians 3:26-28; 1 Peter 2:5,9
3. Acts 8:35-39; Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12
4. Acts 2:38
5. Acts 20:7
6. Neander, Eusebius
7. 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
8. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
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