We want you to visit us at the church of Christ. And we
want you to feel comfortable. But we know an unfamiliar place can be
intimidating. So, let us tell you what you can expect when you honor us with
a visit.
Background
A brief description of our background may help you
understand us. We are a part of “The Restoration Movement.” Our goal is to
“restore” the New Testament church in our time -- to determine from the
Bible what the church was like in the beginning, and to be like that. We
believe this is a worthy and reverent goal. 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. Now, let us walk you through a worship service.
There may be some variations from this description in other congregations of
the church of Christ, because every church of Christ is autonomous.
Self-ruled. Independent.
The Setting
Some churches of Christ meet in homes or rented
facilities. However, most, for the sake of convenience, have erected a
church building. You will enter what we refer to as the “auditorium.” There
will be rows of chairs or pews for the worshipers. There are no reserved
seats, so feel free to sit anywhere you choose.
Singing
In a bookrack near you, there will be a hymnbook for you
to use. When the song leader announces a number, you can turn to that number
in the hymnbook to find the words and the music. One of the unique things
about churches of Christ -- and something you may find refreshing -- 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 its 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 is best to exclude it, too. 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. And
there may be prayers for 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 may be addressed as Dr.,
but only if he has earned that academic credential. He will probably be
referred to as brother. Or mister. Or, possibly, just called by his first
name. He won’t be wearing any special clothing which sets him apart.
The reason for this is our belief in the that
all are equal in God's sight. The
sermon will likely be from 20 to 30 minutes in length. 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 convenient time to invite those who are moved
to do so to make a commitment or request prayer support. He will
encourage those who wish to “respond” to come to the front of the auditorium
while the congregation sings a hymn. 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 none. Some may respond for baptism. Some to
confess sins. Some to ask for prayer for a specific need. Some to “identify”
or “place membership” with this church. If anyone responds for
baptism, you will witness the baptism during this service. The baptism will
be by immersion, a total submersion in water. And it
will be for the forgiveness of sins.
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 New Testament teaching. The first century church celebrated this
observance on the first day of the week. 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 (Neander, Eusebius). During this memorial,
plates containing pieces of unleavened bread will be passed throughout the
congregation. The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus. 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 grape juice which symbolizes the
blood of Jesus. 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.
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 obligated to. Just observe, if that is your choice. You may be
asked to fill out a Visitor’s 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.
The People
What kind of people can you expect to find? Pretty much
the entire spectrum, as in any group.
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You will find traditionalists -- and you’ll find those
who prefer anything new over everything old.
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You will find those of us who mistake our traditions
for absolute truth, and get pretty bent out of shape when they are
tampered with.
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And you’ll find those of us who are a bit smug at
having been liberated from tradition.
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You will find legalists and liberals -- and a lot of
people in between.
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You will find happy people -- and grouchy people.
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Friendly people -- and unfriendly people.
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Loving people and cantankerous people.
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People who are learning -- and people who already know
everything.
You’ll find us to be like the little West Texas community
that has a billboard at the edge of town which says, “The Home of 3,000
Friendly People -- And A Few Old Soreheads.” You get the picture.
We’re a diverse group, coming from varied backgrounds, and at different
stages of knowledge and spiritual growth.
We don’t know everything. We don’t do everything right.
We don’t always treat each other as we should. We haven’t arrived -- we’re
just on the journey. But, you see, we were not brought together by any
illusion of our perfection or righteousness. We were brought together by our
recognition that we are sinners in need of the cleansing blood of Jesus. That’s the
reason we can worship together, stick together, and, with God’s help,
accomplish some things that make a difference.
You won’t have to look very far to find our failures.
But, bottom line, you will find people who love Jesus and love the Bible.
