What to Expect at Glenpool church of Christ
OUR WORSHIP
We trace our origin back to the church that was established on the Day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts chapter 2. About 3000 people were baptized that day "Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them." (Acts 2:47 - NKJV). All the saved were added by the Lord to His church. He promised to build it (Matthew 16:18), and He is the undisputed head of it (Ephesians 1:22-23).
We try to imitate every thing about that New Testament church so that we will be a Bible-centered church that spends a lot of time in Bible study. We want every element of our doctrine and practice to be authorized from the New Testament by direct commands, necessary inferences, or approved apostolic examples.
We are vitally concerned about "speaking where the Bible speaks, and being silent where the Bible is silent." We know that God is the source of all truth, and He has already revealed to man "...all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue" (II Peter 1:3 - NKJV).
One of the first things you may notice about our worship services is that only men lead it. Paul wrote in 1 TImothy 2:12 that "...I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet." In this verse, Paul was writing to Timothy about the worship services and that women are not to lead the worship services.
MUSIC
Our worship services always include music, but unlike many denominations our singing is congregational and "a capella", that is, without the accompaniment of musical instruments. This is because we want to worship just as the church did in the beginning, and the New Testament mentions singing, without any mention of musical instruments (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, and other passages).
PRAYER
Our service will include prayers. We would simply ask that you quietly listen as a leader directs our thoughts in prayer and help us keep these moments distraction free.
A MEMORIAL
On Sundays, we will serve the Lord's Supper to the audience. We observe this memorial every first day of the week. Again, the reason for this weekly observance is our desire to follow the New Testament pattern (Acts 20:7). Every week has a first day. During this memorial, plates containing the unleavened bread will be passed. Each Christian will break off a small piece of the bread and eat it. Next, trays filled with small cups will be distributed. The cups will contain the "fruit of the vine" (grape juice) to symbolize the blood of Jesus. Each Christian will drink the contents of one of the cups and replace the empty cup in the tray. If you choose not to participate, please do not feel embarrassed. Just pass the plate or tray to the person next to you.
A CONTRIBUTION
Also, if you visit on a Sunday morning, we will pass collection baskets to collect the weekly financial offering (I Corinthians 16:1-2). As our guest, you are not expected to make a donation, but you can if you so desire. Feel perfectly comfortable in just passing the collection basket on down the row.
A SERMON
The preaching of God's Word is important. You will notice that the preacher does not have some special title, and he will not dress in ecclesiastical vestments. He won't be referred to as Pastor or Reverend. The reason for this is that the Bible teaches the priesthood of all believers - that we are all equal (Matthew 23:8-12; Galatians 3:36-28; I Peter 2:5, 9). The sermon will be about 30 minutes long, and we think you will find it refreshingly Bible-centered.
INVITATION
At the close of the sermon, the preacher will extend an invitation. This is simply an expedient time to invite those who feel the need to make a commitment to Christ to do so. Some come forward requesting our prayers in their behalf. The preacher will encourage those who wish to respond to come to the front of the auditorium while the congregation sings a hymn. Please do not feel "pressured" during this time. You will not be singled out in any way. Your decision to come to Christ must be YOUR decision made when YOU are ready. We stress the urgency of this decision, but it is totally up to you.
There may be several who respond, or none. Some might respond for baptism, some to confess sins, or some to ask for prayer for a specific need. If anyone responds for baptism, you will witness the baptism during the service. The baptism will be by immersion (Acts 8:35-39; Romans 6:3-4), and it will be for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (Acts 2:38). We have a baptistry filled and ready as well as other garments to wear during the baptism.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU?
Nothing at all! You are welcome to participate, but don't feel obligated to do so - just observe, if that is your choice. We will probably ask you to fill out a Visitor's Card so that we can have a record of your attendance, and it provides us with the necessary information so we can send you a thank you note for your visit. Please do not feel that this is a "hook" that we will use to pressure you in the future.
We welcome you in advance and want to thank you for coming to "check us out." If convenient, we hope you will linger for a few moments after the services so that we can get acquainted. We would enjoy getting to know you.
