Our Worship

We want you to visit us at the Barboursville church of Christ and we want you to feel comfortable. We also know an unfamiliar place can be intimidating. So, let us tell you what you can expect when you visit. A brief description of our background may help you understand us.

Background

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.

The church of Christ is not a product of the Restoration Movement, but rather was a part of the movement. The leaders of the Restoration movement did not establish a new church – they restored a previously established church. The church predates the Restoration Movement. The very name of the Restoration Movement tells us that the church did not originate with that movement – they were trying to restore something, not create something. And that something was the first century church, the one established in Acts 2 and the one Jesus promised to build in Matthew 16.

The People

What kind of people can you expect to find? Pretty much the entire spectrum, as in any group.

You will find people of every age. People who make mistakes. You will find no perfect people, but you will find forgiven people. We were not brought together by any illusion of perfection or righteousness, we were brought together by our recognition that we are sinners in need of the cleansing blood of Jesus.

We’re a diverse group, coming from varied backgrounds, and at different stages of knowledge and spiritual growth. We are human beings on a journey striving together to serve God, our families, and our fellow man. That’s the reason we can worship together, stick together, and, with God’s help, accomplish some things that make a difference.

Here at Barboursville, you will find people who love Jesus and love the Bible.

The Setting

Some churches of Christ meet in homes or rented facilities. However, for the sake of convenience, most have erected a church building.

You will enter what we refer to as the “auditorium.” There will be rows of pews for the worshipers. There are no reserved seats, so feel free to sit anywhere you choose.

Singing

In a bookrack near you, there will be a hymnbook for your use. When the song leader announces a number, you can turn to that number in the hymnbook to find the words and music.

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. We think you’ll find the singing meaningful, with everyone being invited to participate.

Prayers

There will be several prayers during the service. 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 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.

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 as 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, and some to ask for prayer for a specific need.

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]

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.