You may have had the experience of attending some public gathering for the first time not knowing what to expect. This can be awkward and unnerving. This is one reason some are reluctant to attend the services of a church with which they are unfamiliar. This is understandable since some religious services have some very “out of the ordinary” activities. What about the church of Christ? What is done in its worship assemblies? When we assemble each Sunday (the Lord’s Day, Rev. 1:10), we simply try to recreate the worship services of the New Testament church in a modern age. We participate in the five acts of worship described in the New Testament.
➡️ Prayer—There is an emphasis upon prayer in our assemblies. At the beginning, those who are sick and other prayer requests are made known. There will generally be four or five short prayers—one to open and close the assembly, and prayers of thanks during the Lord’s Supper and for financial resources which allow us to give. One man of the congregation leads each prayer (as Paul directed in 1 Timothy 2:1-8) and speaks clearly so each can hear.
➡️ Singing—The entire congregation (not a group or choir) joins together in praising God in song (as required in Ephesians 5:19). There are usually about five songs during a service. A songbook is available to each and time given to find the song before it starts. All singing is a cappella. Many first-time visitors comment that they were most impressed (and most enjoyed) the song service.
➡️ Communion—As was the practice of the New Testament church (Acts 20:7), the church of Christ partakes of the Lord’s Supper each Sunday. This consists of unleavened bread representing the sacrifice of Christ’s body and grape juice (fruit of the vine) which reminds each of His shed blood (Mt. 26:26-29; 1 Cor. 11:23-28).
➡️ Teaching—Just as on Pentecost, the day the church began (Acts 2:42), the assembly is instructed in God’s Word. No creeds are recited or personal opinions bound on the congregation. The preacher’s sermon is based carefully upon the Scriptures and is made relevant to people living today by thoughtful application and illustration. Each is invited to look up verses mentioned and write down points for further study at home. The preacher welcomes questions regarding anything preached after the service is over.
➡️ Giving—The Lord’s work is financially supported, not by fund drives, requests from non-members, or special sales, but by the contribution of each Christian on the Lord’s Day (1 Cor. 16:2). Visitors are not expected to give. The entire service lasts about an hour. Visitors are welcomed warmly and are invited to participate as they feel comfortable, but may simply sit and observe if they so desire. They are not singled out, made to feel uncomfortable, or expected to stand and give any “testimony.”
The Christians who compose the church of Christ extend to you a warm welcome to attend worship services this Sunday. We think you’ll be impressed with worship conducted the way it was in the days of the apostles.
