What Should You Expect When You Visit Our Worship Service?
We want you to visit us, but we realize an unfamiliar place can be intimidating. We want you to feel comfortable so we have prepared this article to tell you what you can expect when you honor us with a visit.
Background
In the days of Jesus, the church was much different than it is today. Throughout the generations man has altered virtually every aspect of Christ’s church including its teachings, its worship and its practices.
Today, you will find many different religious organizations, each claiming to uphold Biblical teachings and practices, yet each teaching many contrasting doctrines. This is, at the very least, extremely confusing for anyone searching for truth.
Our plea to those of all denominations is…
The Restoration Of New Testament Christianity. We do not claim to have all the answers, but we believe we are moving in the right direction, and we want to be a Bible-centered church. We know that our conclusions aren’t always perfect, and that we are sometimes influenced by habit, preference and tradition, even though we try no to be.
We will, however, always attempt to give scriptural reasons for our teachings and practices. We invite you to join us in our quest for true New Testament Christianity.
Setting
The setting will be a simple one. Some congregations meet in homes or rented facilities, but most meet in a modest building that has been erected or purchased for the purpose of worship. You will find no elaborate architecture or costly furnishings, simply a structure where God?s people gather to praise and honor Him.
The Worship is Simple And Dignified
We truly hope that you will be touched by the simplicity and dignity of the worship services. In our worship, families will worship together rather that being divided into classes or groups. We feel this best keeps in harmony with the pattern of the early church, as well as providing the most profitable learning experience for each family member.
Each worship service is designed to draw every person closer to God and provide an atmosphere that will allow all to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).
Since all we do is governed by the word Of God, you will find us observing only those things contained therein. We shall do our best to duplicate the Biblical pattern of the early church in everything we do. The following describes our worship.
Singing
Our song service may seem different from that customarily practiced in many churches. All the singing will be ?a cappella,? that is, without instrumental accompaniment. As Christians we are commanded to sing and make melody in our heart (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16).
The New Testament makes no mention of instrumental music. Because of this, we feel it would be an addition to His will if we added and employed instruments of music.
The songs will be melodious psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, void of the influence of contemporary music. Each song will be selected so as to praise and glorify God and create an atmosphere of worship.
You will find a songbook in a bookrack nearby. When the song leader announces a song, you may use the songbook to follow the words and music of the song. Please sing along with us and experience the joy of praising our Creator.
Prayer
There may be several prayers during the service. Prayers are designed to praise God, thank Him for His blessings, intercede for others, and petition Him to meet our needs (Philippians 4:6, Matthew 6:9-13).
Teaching
The teaching will be done by men only, speaking one at a time. The women will remain silent, not because we think they are inferior, but because of God?s teaching in I Corinthians 14:35.
You will notice that the teacher will have no title and will not be wearing any special religious garments which will set him apart. The reason for this is Christ?s teaching in Matthew 23:8-12 and the teaching on the priesthood of all believers found in I Peter 2:5 & 9.
The teaching service is designed to instruct and exhort in ways of righteousness. You are encouraged to follow the speaker in your Bible as the lesson is presented, and to take notes for further study (Acts 17:11). Our goal is to present sound Biblical teaching so that all present will be edified.
Invitation
An invitation will be offered at the close of the sermon. This is a convenient time when any number of desires can be expressed by those in the audience. There may be some who desire to become a Christian. There may be Christians who desire to confess sins or request prayer for a specific need.
Don?t feel uncomfortable or pressured during this invitation. If however, you have a need, we will be glad to assist you. You will never be singled out or embarrassed in any way. During this time there may be several who respond, or none.
The Lord’s Supper
If you visit on a Sunday morning, the Lord?s Supper, or communion, will be observed just as we understand it to have been done on the night our Lord introduced it (Matthew 26:26-28, Luke 22:19-20).
The brother attending the table will take bread, bless it, break a piece from it, eat, and pass it to another until each disciple has broken. He will then take the cup, bless it, drink, and pass it to another until each disciple has partaken.
This is the simple New Testament pattern repeated at this congregation each first day of the week (Acts 20:7).
If you choose not to participate feel free to just pass the plate or cup to the person next to you.
Contribution
You will not find us soliciting money through special offerings, spaghetti or pie suppers, bake sales, car washes or any other fund raising methods. The church is financed by the collection or contribution of the members, which is taken only during the Lord’s day morning worship service in accordance with the teaching found in I Corinthians 16:1-2. At this time disciples are to give as they have been prospered and as they have purposed in their hearts (II Corinthians 9:7). As our guest, you are not expected to participate in the contribution, but you should feel free to do so if you wish.
This article is copied from http://www.ozarkcoc.org
This article written by Smith Bibens Ozark Church of Christ Evangelist