What to expect when Worshipping with us

Worship in churches of Christ centers in five items, the same as in the first-century church. We believe the pattern is important. Jesus said: "God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24). From this statement we learn three things:

(1). Our worship must be directed to the right object...God;

(2). It must be prompted by the right spirit;

(3). It must be according to truth.

To worship God according to truth is to worship Him according to His Word, because His Word is truth (John 17:17). Therefore we must not exclude any item found in His Word, and we must not include any item not found in His Word. In matters of religion we are to walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). Since faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17), anything not authorized by the Bible cannot be done by faith...and whatever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23).

The five items of worship observed by the first-century church that we continue to emulate today are: 

“Praying” (Acts 2:42; Philippians 4:6),

“Singing” (Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 3:16), 

“Partaking of the Lord's Supper” (Luke 14:14-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30),

“Giving” (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:7), And;

“Preaching” (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 20:7). 

If you are (or not) acquainted with Churches of Christ you are probably aware that in two of these items our practice is different from that of most religious groups. Let us focus on serving the Lord the way He expects us to worship Him.

Weekly Observance Of The Lord's Supper

Churches of Christ are different from many in that we observe the Lord's Supper on the first day of every week. Again, our reason centers in our determination to follow the teaching of the New Testament. It says, describing the practice of the first-century church, "And upon the first day of the week...the disciples came together to break bread..." (Acts 20:7).

We know, understand and believe that Christians in those early centuries took the Lord's Supper every Sunday and we are commanded to do the same.

A Capella Singing

In the churches of Christ we sing without the use of mechanical instruments of music. A cappella singing, meaning without instrumental accompaniment, is the only music used in our service. Here, too, we are attempting to worship according to the instructions given in the New Testament. The New Testament leaves out instrumental music, therefore, we believe it is right to leave them out.

There are only 9 verses in the New Testament on the subject of music in worship, and they are as follows:

(1). "And when they had SUNG a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives" (Matthew 26:30).

(2). "...about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and SINGING hymns to God..." (Acts 16:25)

(3). "Therefore I will praise thee among the Gentiles, and SING to thy name" (Romans 15:9).

(4). "...I will SING with the spirit and I will SING with the mind also" (1 Corinthians 14:15).

(5). "...be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, SINGING and making melody to the Lord with all your heart" (Ephesians 5:18,19).

(6). "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and as you SING psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God" (Colossians 3:16).

(7). "I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I SING praise unto thee" (Hebrews 2:12).

(8).  “….with the FRUIT OF OUR LIPS, giving thanks to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15).

(9). "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him SING praise" (James 5:13).

The mention of musical instruments is conspicuously absent in these passages. Historically, the first appearance of instrumental music in church worship was not until the sixth century A.D., and there was no general practicing of it until after the eighth century.  Again, there is NO approval from the word of God for the use of instrumental music, nor human mimicking sounds from your mouth in the Bible.  

We are COMMANDED to “Sing” (Ephesians 5:19), with the “Fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15).   

Worship Times

Sunday:  The Morning Hour: 9:00am

Morning Bible Class:  10:00am

Morning Worship: 11:00am

Wednesday Night Bible Class:  7:30pm

Bible classes for ALL ages