Get to know us and what we believe and practice based on the Word of God – the Holy Bible.
We want you to visit us at the Middletown 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. You would find that men leading in the worship service:
There may be some variations from this description because every church of Christ is Autonomous, Self-ruled, and Independent.
Bible Classes
An hour prior to worship, we have Bible classes for all ages.
Singing
One of the unique things about churches of Christ—and something you may find strange—is that the music is “a cappella”, which literary means “in the manner of the church.” 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.
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 take 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 down the row.
Preaching
You will notice that the preacher doesn’t have a title. He won’t be referred to as Pastor or Reverend.
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 about 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 any way.
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)
The People
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 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 were 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.
(Adapted from a pamphlet written by Joe R. Barnett.)