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What to expect when you visit...
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What to expect when you meet with the church of Christ in Oakhurst...
We want you to visit us and to feel comfortable when you do. We know an unfamiliar place can be intimidating. 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 better. 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. Yet, we know 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 because every church of Christ is autonomous.
Setting
Some congregations meet in homes or rented facilities. However, most, for the sake of convenience, have erected a building. When you first enter our building, you will enter what we refer to as the "foyer". From here you can get to our classrooms, kitchen, restrooms, nursery, and auditorium.
Singing
One of the unique things about the church of Christ, and something you may find different, 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. We are seeking to worship according to the New Testament pattern. Since the New Testament leaves instrumental music out, we believe it's best to exclude it also (1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:18, 19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12). You may consider us narrow on this point, but we believe you will respect our reason and conviction on the matter. We further think you will find the singing meaningful and everyone is invited to participate.
Prayer
Prayers will be led by Christian men during our worship services.
Preaching
You will notice that the preacher doesn't have a title. He will not be referred to as Pastor or Reverend. He will probably be referred to by his first name. He will not be wearing any ecclesiastical clothing which sets him apart. The reason for this is that we are all equal in the priesthood of believers.
Invitation
At the close of the sermon, the preacher will "extend an invitation". This is simply an expedient time to invite those who wish 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. Some may respond for baptism, some to confess sins, some to ask for prayer for a specific need. If anyone responds for baptism, you will usually witness the baptism during this service. The baptism will be by immersion for the remission of sins (Acts 8:35-39; Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38).
The Lord's Supper
If you visit on a Sunday, the Lord's Supper will be included in the worship proceedings because the church of Christ observes this memorial every Sunday. Again, the reason for this is our desire to follow New Testament teaching. The first century church celebrated this observance every first day of the week (Acts 20:7). 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 unleavened bread will be passed throughout the congregation. The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:23-25). Each participating Christian will break off a piece of the bread and eat it. Next, trays filled with small cups will be distributed. The cups will contain "fruit of the vine", usually grape juice, symbolizing the blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:23-25).
Offering
If you visit on a Sunday morning, trays will be passed to collect the weekly financial offering (1 Corinthians 16:1,2). As our guest, you are not expected to make a donation. Feel perfectly comfortable in just passing the collection plate on down the row.
We were brought together by our recognition that we are sinners in need of the cleansing blood of Jesus. (Mark 2:17; Romans 5:6-9; Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:7) That is 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 deep to find our failures, but you will find people who love God and the Bible. You will not find anything in our services that is not sanctioned by the Bible. We sincerely strive to be Christians.
