We want you to visit us at the church of Christ. More importantly we want you to feel comfortable, but we know that an unfamiliar place can be intimidating. So, let me tell you what you can expect when you visit us.

 

HISTORY

 

Our goal is to "speak where the Bible speaks, and be silent where it is silent." In other words, to determine from the Bible what the church was like in the first century, and to be like that. We are a Bible centered church and strive to teach the complete Word of God. Every church of Christ is autonomous - self ruled and independent. The head of the church is our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul said, "And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things, to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." (Ephesians 1:22-23) Further, He has all authority in heaven and earth, He did not give His earthly authority to any man. (Matthew 28:18)

 

HOW WE WORSHIP

 

We meet on the first day of the week according to apostolic example. (Acts 20:7) Our whole worship service is based on the scriptures. We know that our first century brethren continued "…devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." (Acts 2:42)

 

Jesus told us that "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in sprit and truth." (John 4:24) Therefore, we believe that God has revealed to us His pattern for acceptable worship. Remember our restoration plea, "Let us speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where it is silent." Let's take some time to look at God's pattern for acceptable worship.

 

SINGING

 

One of the first things most people notice is the absence of musical instruments. This is one of the unique things about the church of Christ - we sing "acappella." That is, we sing without the accompaniment of musical instruments. Remember, we are seeking to worship according to the New Testament pattern and since the New Testament does not authorize instrumental music in worship, then it is unacceptable in worship to God today.

 

This is not just our preference but it is what Paul commanded the churches at Ephesus and Colassae to do, "...speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19) And again, "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God" (Colossians 3:16)

 

Once again, we seek to worship God according to the pattern revealed to us in the New Testament. Since musical accompaniment is not authorized, we have no choice but to leave it out.

 

LORD'S SUPPER

 

If you visit us on Sunday, the Lord's Supper will be served during our worship service. We know that the church in the first century celebrated and observed this memorial on the first day of the week. (Acts 20:7)

 

During the observance of this memorial, plates containing unleavened bread will be passed to the congregation. The bread symbolizes the body of our Lord. (1 Corinthinas 11:23-25) Each individual partaking of this supper will break off a piece of the bread and eat it. Then, trays filled with small cups containing the fruit of the vine (grape juice) will be passed. This symbolizes the blood Jesus shed for us on the cross. (1 Corinthians 11:23-25) Each person partaking of the Lord's Supper will drink one of these cups. The memorial service is only for baptized members of the Lord's church. If you are not baptized, pass the plate and tray to the person next to you.

 

OFFERING

 

Paul commanded the church at Corinth, "On the first day of every week let each one of you put aside and save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come." (1 Corinthians 16:2) Just as your household cannot operate without money, neither can the Lord's church. His family must ensure that His work on earth is completed.

 

So on the first day of every week we pass collection plates to collect monies to accomplish the work that is set before us. Remember what Jesus said, "...it is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35)

 

As our guest, you are not expected to make a donation. Feel perfectly comfortable in just passing the tray to the person next to you. Of course if you wish to contribute, feel free to give to the Lord's work.

 

PRAYER

 

At different times in our worship service prayers will be offered according to apostolic example. (Acts 2:42; Colossians 4:2) Prayers are offered for specific needs and requests, such as for the sick, those on the roads travelling, for those who have fallen away, for the lost of the world, etc.

 

PREACHING

 

You will notice that the preacher doesn't have a title. He is not called Pastor or Reverend, more than likely he will be referred to as brother, Minister, or possibly called by his first name.

 

He will not be wearing any ecclesiastical robes to set him apart. The reason for this is our belief in a priesthood of believers. We are all equal in the sight of God. (Matthew 23:5-12; Galatians 3:26-29) .

 

The sermon will likely be 20 to 30 minutes in duration. It will be a Bible centered lesson and not a lesson from the doctrine of men. Once again, "Let us speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where it is silent." Remember that we will one day be judged by the words Jesus spoke and not what is proclaimed by mere men. (John 12:47-48)

 

INVITATION

 

At the close of the sermon, the preacher will extend an invitation. This is a time for those who have made a decision to serve Christ to respond. Don't worry about being singled out. It is a time of voluntary response.

 

There may be several who will respond. Some may come forward to be baptized, ask for prayers for a specific reason, to confess sin in their lives, or to place membership with the congregation.

 

CONCLUSION

 

You may be asking "What will be expected of me?" The answer is quite simple - "Nothing at all." You are our honored guest and as such you may feel free to participate or not.

 

You may be asked to sign the Visitor Register or fill out a Visitor Card. This simply provides information so we can write or call to thank you for your visit. If you would rather not be called, just indicate it on the register or card.
©1995 Jim Carbiener, all rights reserved Gospel Light Publications Waukegan Church of Christ 909 Golf Road, Waukegan, IL 60087