What to Expect
If you have visited other churches, you may notice some variations from this description, because we as a congregation are autonomous (independent). We are not associated with any denomination or organized religious group. Let us walk you through a typical Sunday worship service:
The Setting
At all worship times, you will find the doors always open. You will enter what we refer to as the “auditorium,” where you will find rows of pews for the worshippers. There are no reserved seats, so feel free to sit anywhere you choose. Please be aware we are practicing social distancing; if someone is wearing a mask please give them space.
The Singing
When the song is displayed on the big screen, a number is also announced or displayed. You can also turn to that number in the songbook in the bookrack in front of you to find the words and music.
One of the unique things about us is that our worship music is “a-cappella.” That is, we sing without the accompaniment of musical instruments. We simply want everyone to worship God in the purest way possible, focused on praise to our heavenly Father (I Corinthians 4:15; Ephesians 5:18,19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12).
We hope you will find the singing worshipful and meaningful. We invite everyone to participate.
The Praying
Spoken prayers are a large part of our gatherings. We believe in the power of prayer, and we often pray for specific needs and requests.
The Preaching
Who preaches is not as important as what is preached. Our preacher does not have a special title. He is not referred to as Pastor or Reverend.
He does not wear any special clothing that sets him apart. He is one of us. The reason for this is our belief that all are equal in the priesthood of believers (Matthew 23:8-12; Galatians 3:26-28; I Peter 2:5,9).
The lesson will likely be from 25 to 35 minutes in length. We hope you find it refreshingly Bible-centered. You will find Bibles for your use in the bookracks under the pews.
The Inviting
Inviting worshippers to make a commitment for Jesus will be a part of the sermon. At the close of the lesson, the speaker will “extend an invitation.” He will encourage those who wish to “respond” to come to the front of the auditorium while the congregation sings. Someone will be at the front to meet and minister to any who respond.
Do not feel ill-at-ease during this invitation. You will not be singled out in any way. There may be several who respond, or none. Some may respond for baptism, some to confess sins, some to ask for prayer for a specific need, or some to “identify” with this congregation.
If anyone responds for baptism, you will witness the baptism during the service. The baptism will be by immersion (Acts 8:35-39; Romans 6:3,4; Colossians 2;12) and for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).
The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper will be included in the worship service. We observe this memorial every Sunday. The reason for this practice is our desire to follow New Testament teaching. The first century church celebrated this observance on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). For safety purposes, Communion has been individually prepared and placed in bags as you enter the front door. Please pick one up as you enter the auditorium.
We believe the early church observed communion on the first day of every week. We also know from respected historians that, in early centuries, the Lord’s Supper was an every-Sunday commemoration (Neander, Eusebius).
During this memorial, the bread symbolizes the body of Jesus. Each participating person will break off a piece of the bread and eat it.
Next, the cup will contain “fruit of the vine,” symbolizing the blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:23-25). Each participant will drink the contents of one cup.
Baptized believers are encouraged and expected to participate in the Lord’s Supper every Sunday. If you choose not to participate, do not be embarrassed. This
Supper is the original way of remembering the sacrifices Jesus has made on our behalf.
The Offering
You will not be asked to make a contribution. Containers are placed at the back of the auditorium to collect the weekly financial offering (I Corinthians 16:1,2). As our guest, you are not expected to make a contribution.
What Will Be Expected of You?
We place no expectations on our guests. You are welcome to participate, but do not feel obligated to do so. You may simply observe, if that is your choice. As our guest, you are welcome to participate in any non-leadership activities, including service activities, Bible studies, and discussion groups.
Should you decide to place membership with us, you would meet with one or more of our Elders. This allows them to learn a little about your desire to become a part of this body of believers and answer any questions you may have regarding membership. The New Testament church clearly expected every believer – every committed follower of Jesus Christ – to be committed to his or her local fellowship. Christians are expected to:
- Be a regular participant in our worship services (Hebrews 10:25).
- Be “plugged into” Sunday School and other opportunities for teaching, contact, fellowship, friendship, and intimacy (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
- Be involved in a ministry or a service (Ephesians 2:10).
- Be a good steward of the resources God has given us, and faithfully support the Lord’s work (2 Corinthians 9:7-8).
- Develop personal and spiritual disciplines in one’s life of prayer, study, giving, fasting, etc.; (Galatians 6:8).
If you are a new member, we expect you to participate in our New Members’ Class which runs for four weeks each quarter during the year. We want to assist you in getting to know us as well, giving you opportunities to explore using your time, talents and treasure for the glory of God.
The People
You can expect to find people from a broad spectrum. Like many groups, we are diverse — coming from varied backgrounds and at different levels of understanding and different stages of spiritual growth.
We do not claim to know everything, but we are learning. We do not do everything right, but we are improving. We do not always treat each other as we should. We have not arrived — we are on a journey together.
We were not brought together by any illusion of our perfection or personal righteousness. We were brought together by our recognition that we are sinners in need of the cleansing blood of Jesus (Mark 2:17; Romans 5:6-9; Ephesians 1:7; I John 1:7).
We were brought together by a common goal. We want to be God’s people, organized and worshipping according to God’s plan. We want to be Christ’s church. That is the reason we can worship together, stick together, and with God’s help, accomplish some things that make a difference for Him. You will not have to look very far to find our shortcomings, but you will find people who love Jesus and love the Bible. We hope you will join us in our pursuit of Him and His Word this Sunday.