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We want you to
visit us at the Hamlin 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 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 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
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. 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 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. 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
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 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 Hamlin, you will find people who love Jesus and love the
Bible.
Adapted
from a tract written by Joe R. Barnett | Copyright © 1992 Pathway,
Inc.
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