What to Expect When You Visit the church of Christ
by Allen Webster
Most people are a little apprehensive about visiting a new church. We hope a few words will help set your mind at ease about visiting our congregation.
The church of Christ is a growing, friendly church. We are a diverse congregation that reflects the fact that God’s church is for all people. The crowd often ranges in age from newborn babies (nursery available, by the way) to those who have seen most of a century pass. Professionally, there are those from all walks of life—from blue collar to white collar to students to retirees. We have business owners, plant managers, educators, office workers, plumbers, Wal-Mart employees, welders, and everything in between. Educationally, we have those with Ph.Ds as well as those who have not spent much time in school. Most fall into the category of high school graduates to college bachelor’s degrees. Churches of Christ are diversified—people of all races and nationalities worship and work together as God’s children (Acts 10:34-35).
Every effort is made to allow visitors to feel comfortable. You will not be singled out during the service in any way. You will not be asked to make a “love offering”; in fact, no collections will be taken at all except during the Sunday morning service when our members make their weekly contribution as an act of worship. Visitors are not expected to participate.
Our services generally open with a brief welcome from one of the members. The song leader then leads the congregation in two or three songs. An opening prayer is offered, followed by another song, and then the preacher delivers a sermon from the Bible. All are encouraged to bring their Bibles and follow along as he leads the study (2 Timothy 2:15). At the end of the sermon, the Lord’s invitation is offered (Matthew 11:28-30) for any who want to become Christians or rededicate their lives to God. There is no coercion. During the Sunday morning service, the Lord’s Supper also is observed by partaking of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine (1 Corinthians 11:23-29). The service lasts about an hour and concludes with a song and a final prayer. Visitors may sit silently through the service, or they may participate.
A Brief Introduction To The church of Christ.
The church of Christ dates back to the days of the New Testament (see Romans 16:16). It was founded by Christ on the Day of Pentecost, A.D. 33 (Acts 2), just about a month after His ascension back to heaven. In the years that followed, it rapidly grew to fill Jerusalem, then Judea, Samaria, and finally the whole Roman Empire (Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:23). In America, the first churches of Christ were planted in the late 1700s as the result a movement begun to “go back to the Bible” and do Bible things in Bible ways and call Bible things by Bible names (cf. 1 Peter 4:11).
We believe that Jesus is the Son of God (John 20:30, 31), that the Bible is inspired of God (2 Timothy 3:16- 17), and that Christ will return to take His kingdom home to God (1 Corinthians 15:24). We emphasize sincere worship (John 4:24), every-member evangelism (Acts 8:4), godly living (Titus 2:11-12), love for each other (John 13:33-34), and helping those in need (James 1:27). We believe the Bible teaches that sinners are saved by learning of Jesus, faith in Jesus, repentance of sin because of Jesus, confession of Jesus, and baptism into Jesus (John 6:44-45; John 3:16; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-10). The church of Christ is organized with elders, deacons, preachers, and members as in New Testament times (Philippians 1:1). It has no governing body on earth higher than the local congregation.
The church of Christ is noted for its emphasis upon returning to New Testament Christian-ity and for its desire to unite all Christians into one body (1 Corinthians 1:10). We believe that the New Testament is the only rule for faith and practice in religious matters (2 Timothy 3:17; 2 Peter 1:3) and that God’s Word must authorize all that is done in Christian worship (Colossians 3:17; Revelation 22:18-19). Thus we try to strictly follow the New Testament. We believe that it is possible to have religious unity in a day of division by simply following the New Testament pattern and putting aside human traditions.
To put it simply, the church of Christ is seeking to be the same church one reads about in the New Testament. We aim to restore its doctrine, its practice, its lifestyle, and its zeal.
FRIENDLY. The church of Christ strives to be a “visitor friendly” church. Since many of our members were at one time visitors themselves, we know how visitors feel on their first visit. We make it our goal to be “the friendliest church you ever visited.” We aim to treat others the way we want to be treated, like Jesus said (Matthew 7:12). You’ll receive a warm greeting and find assistance to locate your class (or your children’s) and/or a comfortable seat in the worship service. You will not be singled out, made to stand, encouraged to give any “testimony,” or in any other way made to feel embarrassed. The services are simple, reverent, practical, and meaningful.
BIBLE-BASED, CHRIST-CENTERED, HEAVEN-BOUND. When you visit, you will meet people who—just like you—sincerely want to follow the teachings of the Bible and please God with their lives. You’ll find that every sermon and class is based on the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17). In fact, members and visitors are urged to bring their own Bibles and follow along. We still strive to do Bible things in Bible ways, and to call Bible things by Bible names —nothing more or less. We seek to exalt Christ in our songs, prayers, sermons, and lives (Colossians 1:18). The “air” of hope fills the church as we think of the beautiful promise of heaven for God’s children (Revelation 21).
LORD’S SUPPER OBSERVED EACH SUNDAY. The church of Christ has communion every week, just as they did in New Testament times (cf. Acts 20:7). It is a highlight of the week to be able to commemorate Christ’s death and celebrate His promised return.
BEAUTIFUL SINGING. The whole congregation sings a capella style (without mechanical instruments), just as they did in New Testament times (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Visitors may sing along (song books provided) or simply listen. Many first time visitors comment on “how beautiful the singing is.” Some say they find it easier to focus on the song’s meaning since the words are more easily understood than with musical accompaniment.
FREE MATERIALS. You will find free booklets, pamphlets, tracts, and back issues of publications displayed in the entrance areas. These are free for the taking to any member or visitor. Also, often there will be study materials distributed during Bible classes and worship services. A personal home Bible study (open Bible or video) is available for those who want to know more.
A PLACE FOR EVERYONE. Christ’s church is made up of all kinds of people (1 Corinthians 12;Galatians 3:27-28). You will find that members of all different races, educational backgrounds, and eco-nomic levels are made to feel comfortable in our services. We mean it when we say “everybody welcome.”
EMPHASIS ON FAMILY AND BIBLE SCHOOL. The church of Christ places a great emphasis on Bible school. We feel that children are important, and that our God-given responsibility is to assist parents in teaching them about their origin, purpose, and destiny. They should come to know their Creator, Redeemer, Lord, and Savior early in life (Ecclesiastes 12:1; Matthew 19:14). They have been born into a mixed-up world so we try to ground them in the simple truth so they will know “right” from “wrong.”
___________________________
Consider these reasons to bring your children to Bible classes each week:
___________________________
We are finding that many want to be a part of a church that:
Most people are a little apprehensive about visiting a new church. We hope a few words will help set your mind at ease about visiting our congregation.
The church of Christ is a growing, friendly church. We are a diverse congregation that reflects the fact that God’s church is for all people. The crowd often ranges in age from newborn babies (nursery available, by the way) to those who have seen most of a century pass. Professionally, there are those from all walks of life—from blue collar to white collar to students to retirees. We have business owners, plant managers, educators, office workers, plumbers, Wal-Mart employees, welders, and everything in between. Educationally, we have those with Ph.Ds as well as those who have not spent much time in school. Most fall into the category of high school graduates to college bachelor’s degrees. Churches of Christ are diversified—people of all races and nationalities worship and work together as God’s children (Acts 10:34-35).
Every effort is made to allow visitors to feel comfortable. You will not be singled out during the service in any way. You will not be asked to make a “love offering”; in fact, no collections will be taken at all except during the Sunday morning service when our members make their weekly contribution as an act of worship. Visitors are not expected to participate.
Our services generally open with a brief welcome from one of the members. The song leader then leads the congregation in two or three songs. An opening prayer is offered, followed by another song, and then the preacher delivers a sermon from the Bible. All are encouraged to bring their Bibles and follow along as he leads the study (2 Timothy 2:15). At the end of the sermon, the Lord’s invitation is offered (Matthew 11:28-30) for any who want to become Christians or rededicate their lives to God. There is no coercion. During the Sunday morning service, the Lord’s Supper also is observed by partaking of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine (1 Corinthians 11:23-29). The service lasts about an hour and concludes with a song and a final prayer. Visitors may sit silently through the service, or they may participate.
A Brief Introduction To The church of Christ.
The church of Christ dates back to the days of the New Testament (see Romans 16:16). It was founded by Christ on the Day of Pentecost, A.D. 33 (Acts 2), just about a month after His ascension back to heaven. In the years that followed, it rapidly grew to fill Jerusalem, then Judea, Samaria, and finally the whole Roman Empire (Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:23). In America, the first churches of Christ were planted in the late 1700s as the result a movement begun to “go back to the Bible” and do Bible things in Bible ways and call Bible things by Bible names (cf. 1 Peter 4:11).
We believe that Jesus is the Son of God (John 20:30, 31), that the Bible is inspired of God (2 Timothy 3:16- 17), and that Christ will return to take His kingdom home to God (1 Corinthians 15:24). We emphasize sincere worship (John 4:24), every-member evangelism (Acts 8:4), godly living (Titus 2:11-12), love for each other (John 13:33-34), and helping those in need (James 1:27). We believe the Bible teaches that sinners are saved by learning of Jesus, faith in Jesus, repentance of sin because of Jesus, confession of Jesus, and baptism into Jesus (John 6:44-45; John 3:16; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-10). The church of Christ is organized with elders, deacons, preachers, and members as in New Testament times (Philippians 1:1). It has no governing body on earth higher than the local congregation.
The church of Christ is noted for its emphasis upon returning to New Testament Christian-ity and for its desire to unite all Christians into one body (1 Corinthians 1:10). We believe that the New Testament is the only rule for faith and practice in religious matters (2 Timothy 3:17; 2 Peter 1:3) and that God’s Word must authorize all that is done in Christian worship (Colossians 3:17; Revelation 22:18-19). Thus we try to strictly follow the New Testament. We believe that it is possible to have religious unity in a day of division by simply following the New Testament pattern and putting aside human traditions.
To put it simply, the church of Christ is seeking to be the same church one reads about in the New Testament. We aim to restore its doctrine, its practice, its lifestyle, and its zeal.
FRIENDLY. The church of Christ strives to be a “visitor friendly” church. Since many of our members were at one time visitors themselves, we know how visitors feel on their first visit. We make it our goal to be “the friendliest church you ever visited.” We aim to treat others the way we want to be treated, like Jesus said (Matthew 7:12). You’ll receive a warm greeting and find assistance to locate your class (or your children’s) and/or a comfortable seat in the worship service. You will not be singled out, made to stand, encouraged to give any “testimony,” or in any other way made to feel embarrassed. The services are simple, reverent, practical, and meaningful.
BIBLE-BASED, CHRIST-CENTERED, HEAVEN-BOUND. When you visit, you will meet people who—just like you—sincerely want to follow the teachings of the Bible and please God with their lives. You’ll find that every sermon and class is based on the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17). In fact, members and visitors are urged to bring their own Bibles and follow along. We still strive to do Bible things in Bible ways, and to call Bible things by Bible names —nothing more or less. We seek to exalt Christ in our songs, prayers, sermons, and lives (Colossians 1:18). The “air” of hope fills the church as we think of the beautiful promise of heaven for God’s children (Revelation 21).
LORD’S SUPPER OBSERVED EACH SUNDAY. The church of Christ has communion every week, just as they did in New Testament times (cf. Acts 20:7). It is a highlight of the week to be able to commemorate Christ’s death and celebrate His promised return.
BEAUTIFUL SINGING. The whole congregation sings a capella style (without mechanical instruments), just as they did in New Testament times (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Visitors may sing along (song books provided) or simply listen. Many first time visitors comment on “how beautiful the singing is.” Some say they find it easier to focus on the song’s meaning since the words are more easily understood than with musical accompaniment.
FREE MATERIALS. You will find free booklets, pamphlets, tracts, and back issues of publications displayed in the entrance areas. These are free for the taking to any member or visitor. Also, often there will be study materials distributed during Bible classes and worship services. A personal home Bible study (open Bible or video) is available for those who want to know more.
A PLACE FOR EVERYONE. Christ’s church is made up of all kinds of people (1 Corinthians 12;Galatians 3:27-28). You will find that members of all different races, educational backgrounds, and eco-nomic levels are made to feel comfortable in our services. We mean it when we say “everybody welcome.”
EMPHASIS ON FAMILY AND BIBLE SCHOOL. The church of Christ places a great emphasis on Bible school. We feel that children are important, and that our God-given responsibility is to assist parents in teaching them about their origin, purpose, and destiny. They should come to know their Creator, Redeemer, Lord, and Savior early in life (Ecclesiastes 12:1; Matthew 19:14). They have been born into a mixed-up world so we try to ground them in the simple truth so they will know “right” from “wrong.”
___________________________
Consider these reasons to bring your children to Bible classes each week:
- Bible classes help children learn about the most important subjects in the world: Jesus, God, the Bible, morals, and salvation. Our Bible school is non-denominational. Every lesson is based simply upon the Bible—not a catechism or creedbook.
- Bible classes start with children during their formative years. They do not have to be five or six years old to begin Sunday school, as they do to begin public school. Cradle roll classes start babies off right. (They love it!) The early years are important; parents only have children for a short time so each week counts.
- Our Bible school has an excellent staff of qualified and caring teachers. They enjoy what they do. Many have college degrees and others work with children every day in the public school system or daycare. Some of our best teachers are those who have the practical experience of already having reared their children. Most have their own children or grandchildren enrolled in Bible school. Some have decades of experience dealing with children just like yours. We invite you to come a few minutes early and meet the Christian who will be your child’s teacher.
- Our Bible school uses a planned curriculum that builds a child’s knowledge from ground zero to cover the entire Bible by high school graduation.
- Bible school uses craft activities, artwork, and games to make learning fun. Take-home materials allow parents to reinforce the lessons between times.
- Bible school allows children to make friends their own age. Many parents find their children begging to go to class after a few weeks.
___________________________
We are finding that many want to be a part of a church that:
- Seeks to restore New Testament Christianity without all the denominational tradition and baggage (1 Corinthians 1:10; John 17:20-21).
- Carefully follows God’s Word and emphasizes “book, chapter, and verse” preaching (Matthew 28:20; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
- Helps families fulfill their God-given mission to nurture life-long marital relationships and rear godly children (Ephesians 5:23-6:4).
- Has a worldwide-vision for taking the Gospel to those near and far (Mark 16:15-16).
- Is goal-oriented and not satisfied with just maintaining status quo (Revelation 3:15-17).
- Makes everyone feel welcome—regardless of social status, education, economic standing, or personality (1 Corinthians 13:4-8; James 2:1-5).
- Has a wide-range of programs with something for everybody to do (cf. Romans 12:5-8);
- Has a strong emphasis on Bible preaching which carefully explains the Scriptures and stresses practical applications (Nehemiah 8:8; 2 Timothy 4:1, 2).
- And, is unified with a genuine loving atmosphere toward all members—whether they have attended for the last seventy years or only since last Sunday (1 Peter 1:22).
House to House/Heart to Heart - taught you publicly, and from house to house Acts 20:20