IGNITE – TRANSFORM – REFLECT – SHINE

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The five elements of worship are (what you expect in the Sunday Worship Hour):

    • The Lord’s Supper: Observed every Sunday, this is a central and important element of their worship. It includes partaking of unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine to remember Jesus’s sacrifice and death.
    • Singing: Worship is exclusively a cappella (without instrumental music), based on New Testament commands to “sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord”. The congregation sings together psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to praise God and edify one another.
    • Prayer: Multiple prayers are offered throughout the service, including adoration, thanksgiving, and supplication. This is seen as a time for personal and communal communication with God.
    • Preaching/Teaching: A lesson or sermon is delivered from the Bible, which is considered the inspired Word of God. The purpose is to teach the congregation sound doctrine and encourage spiritual growth.
    • Giving: A monetary collection is taken from members to support the work of the local church. This is viewed as an act of worship and an expression of gratitude for God’s blessings. 

    Key principles of worship

    In addition to these elements, the worship of the Churches of Christ is guided by several key principles:

    • Scriptural authority: All practices must be authorized by New Testament scripture. Worship is viewed as something directed by God, not by human preferences or traditions.
    • Simplicity and sincerity: Worship should focus on sincere devotion from the heart rather than external rituals or entertainment.
    • Congregational participation: The service is designed for the active participation of the entire congregation, particularly in singing.

    First-century pattern: The goal is to replicate the worship practices of the early church as described in the New Testament. 

    What do we believe

    We believe

    • The Bible is true, authoritative and sufficient (Deuteronomy 4:1-2; Psalm 119:11, 89, 105; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 22:29; John 5:39; 16:13- 15; 17:17; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:15-17).
    • There is only one God. He has eternally existed in relationship with Himself as one substance in three unique persons: The Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 61:1; Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 1:35; John 5:21-23).
    • All humans are made in the image of God to have fellowship with Him. Yet, all have willfully sinned thus separating us from God both physically and spiritually. As a result, no one can attain a right relationship with God through one’s effort (Genesis 1:26-30; 2:7, 18-22; 3:19; Jeremiah 17:5; Acts 17:26-31; Romans 1:19- 32; 3:10-18, 23; 5:6, 12; 6:6, 23; 7:15-25; James 1:14-15).
    • Jesus Christ was born of a virgin and is both fully God and fully human. He is the only plan for bringing people back into a right relationship with God. He lived a perfect life. Died a perfect death. And defeated Satan, sin and death for us by being physically raised to life on the third day. Jesus’ work guarantees that we have a living hope through His resurrection from the dead (Isaiah 7:14; 53; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 14:33; 16:16; 1 Peter 1:3-6).
    • All humans are created to exist forever. We will exist either eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is Heaven. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence. (John 3:16; Romans 6:23; 1 John 2:25; 5:11-13; Revelation 20:15).
    • Salvation is the free gift of God found only through faith in Jesus Christ. All people are invited to accept God’s forgiveness by confessing their sin, trusting Jesus as their Lord and following Jesus’ example of water baptism. Salvation confers the complete forgiveness of sins – past, present, and future – and the gift of God’s Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28- 32; Acts 2:37-39; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 1:3-14; 2:1-10).
    • God’s Holy Spirit lives inside every Christ- follower and thus assures us of our relationship with God. He guides believers into all truth and exalts Jesus. He convicts people of their sin, God’s righteousness, and the coming judgment. He comforts us, gives us spiritual gifts, and makes us more like Christ (Genesis 1:2; Joel 2:28-32; Mark 1:10; Luke 1:35; 4:1; 11:13; 12:12; John 15:26; 16:7- 14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4; 13:2).