What To Expect When You Visit
A tract written by Joe R. Barnett
We want you to visit us at the North Penn Church of Christ. And we want you to
feel comfortable. But we know an unfamiliar place can be intimidating. So 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.
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. And we try to be.
Yet we know that 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. Self-ruled. Independent.
The Setting
Some churches of Christ meet in homes or rented
facilities. However, most, for the sake of convenience, have erected a church
building.
You will enter what we refer to as the "auditorium."
There will be rows of chairs or pews for the worshipers. There are no reserved
seats, so feel free to sit anywhere you choose.
Singing
One of the unique things about churches of Christ—and
something you may find strange—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. It
has its roots in our restoration heritage. 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, too. (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 for it, and our conviction. And we think you’ll
find the singing meaningful, with everyone being invited to participate.
Prayers
There will be several prayers during the service. And
there may be prayers for specific needs and requests.
Preaching
You will notice that the preacher doesn’t have a title.
He won’t be referred to as Pastor or Reverend. He may be addressed as Dr., but
only if he has earned that academic credential. He will probably be referred
to a brother. Or Mister. Or, possibly, just called by his first name.
He won’t be wearing any ecclesiastical vestments which
set him apart.
The reason for this is our belief in the priesthood of
all believers. That all are equal.
The sermon will likely be from 20 to 30 minutes. We
think you will find it refreshingly Bible-centered. (Matthew 23:8-12;
Galatians 3:26-28; 1 Peter 2:5,9)
Invitation
At the close of the sermon, the preacher will "extend an
invitation." This is simply an expedient time to invite those who are moved 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.
Don’t feel ill-at-ease during this invitation. You will
not be singled out in anyway.
There may be several who respond. Or none.
Some may respond for baptism. Some to confess sins. Some
to ask for prayer for a specific need. Some to "identify" or "place
membership" with this church.
If anyone responds for baptism, you will witness the
baptism during this service. The baptism will be by immersion. And it will be
for the remission of sins. (Acts 8:35-39; Romans 6:3,4; Colossians 2:12, Acts
2:38)
Lord’s Supper
If you visit on a Sunday morning, the Lord’s Supper will
be included in the worship proceedings—because churches of Christ observe this
memorial every Sunday.
Again, the reason for this is our desire to follow New
Testament teaching. The first century church celebrated this observance on the
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.
During this memorial, plates containing pieces of
unleavened bread will be passed throughout the congregation. The bread
symbolizes the body of Jesus. Each participating person will break off a piece
of the bread and eat it. (1 Corinthians 11:23-25)
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. Each participant will drink the contents of one of the
cups.
If you choose not to participate, don’t be embarrassed.
Feel free to just pass the plate or tray to the person next to you.
Offering
Also, if you visit on a Sunday morning containers 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.
What Will Be Expected of You
Nothing at all! You are welcome to participate. But
don’t feel obligated to. Just observe, if that is your choice.
You may be asked to fill out a Visitor’s Card. This
simply provides information so the church can write or call to thank you for
your visit. Supply the information if you are comfortable doing so. But feel
free to decline this request if you prefer.
The People
What kind of people can you expect to find? Pretty much
the entire spectrum, as in any group. You will find traditionalists—and you’ll
find those who prefer anything new over everything old.
You will find those of us who mistake our traditions for
absolute truth, and get pretty bent out of shape when they are tampered with.
And you’ll find those of us who are a bit smug at having been liberated from
tradition.
You will find legalists and liberals—and a lot of people
in between.
You will find happy people—and grouchy people. Friendly
people—and unfriendly people. Loving people—and cantankerous people. People
who are learning—and people who already know everything.
You’ll find us to be like the little West Texas
community that has a billboard at the edge of town which says, "The Home of
3,000 Friendly People—And A Few Old Soreheads."
You get the picture. We’re a diverse group, coming from
varied backgrounds, and at different stages of knowledge and spiritual growth.
We don’t know everything. We don’t do everything right.
We don’t always treat each other as we should. We haven’t arrived—we’re just
on the journey.
But, you see, we were not brought together by any
illusion of our perfection or righteousness. 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’s 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 far to find our failures.
But, bottom line, you will find people who love Jesus
and love the Bible.
Copyright © 1992 Pathway, Inc.
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