What to Expect in Worship
Prayer. Jesus taught prayer to His disciples in Matthew 6:5—15. We understand that when we pray, we pray to the Father, through the Son, and with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 6:6; Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:26). Prayer is our path to the Father. It is how we draw near to God the Father in both our daily, private devotions and our communal worship with our brothers and sisters in Christ (James 4:8).
Singing. We sing according to the example and practice of the early church. We sing a cappella, or without the accompaniment of musical instruments. We do so because there is no New Testament authority or example where mechanical musical instruments were used in Christian worship to God. The Apostle Paul writes to the Ephesians, “…addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart” (Ephesians. 5:19). Songs are one way for us to express praise, thanks, honor, and reverence for God the Father
Preaching/Teaching. Just as Peter preached the first Gospel sermon following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus in Acts 2:14—41, we too preach the Good News of Jesus Christ in our worship assemblies. There is typically one sermon for our Sunday morning worship service, one sermon for our Sunday evening worship service, and a short devotional lesson following our Wednesday night Bible study. These sermons are design with two goals in mind: (1) to teach the Gospel message of salvation in Christ to those who are not believers; and (2) to edify or build up and strengthen those who are already believers and followers of Christ. At the end of each sermon, there will be what we call an invitation. This invitation is open for anyone who (1) desires to follow Christ for the first time and take the necessary steps towards salvation; (2) wishes to be restored to the Lord’s body through humble repentance and God’s grace; and (3) seeks the prayers of the church in a public way. The Lord’s invitation is always open, but we see this as a convenient time during our set assemblies to offer His invitation to whoever may be in the audience. If you feel the need to respond, just walk to the front during the “invitation song” where you will be greeted by one of our elders (those responsible for spiritual oversight of the church). He will discuss your spiritual needs with you and then lead the church in prayer on your behalf.
Communion. The Lord’s Supper is a time of reverence and remembrance. Jesus instituted this during the Passover with His disciples (Matthew 26:26—29; Mark 14:22—25; Luke 22:14—23). He stated that this was to be observed on the first day of the week in remembrance of him (Acts 20:7). Paul described the Lord’s Supper this way in his letter to the Corinthians:
“For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, ‘This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:23—26 ESV).
Giving. Following the Lord’s Supper and a song, we offer an opportunity to give back to the Lord. Jesus taught that his followers should give to those in need (Matthew 6:1—4). The early portraits of the church in Acts depicts a community of believers who gave as any had need (Acts 2:45; Acts 4:32—37). Paul gives the clear command to give of one’s means, as he may prosper, every first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1—4). This is the example set for us in the New Testament and it is the example we continue to follow today.
