What to Expect When You Visit
by Arvil Hill
(former minister, Central Church of Christ)
You Can Expect to Be Made Welcome
The first time I visited the Central Church of Christ there was a special religious service in progress. I was alone, and it was dark. I was wondering as I approached the building which of the two doors I should enter. Suddenly, one of the doors opened, and a voice sounded, "Come in." I was relieved. Little did I know at that time I would later become the minister of this friendly group of Christians. You can expect the same friendly faces, hand shakes, and neighborly atmosphere. Don't be afraid to come, not knowing how to act or that you may find yourself in a situation that would be embarrassing. You can expect to be made welcome at the Central Church of Christ. I have been told by different people who have visited us that Central is one of the friendliest churches they have ever attended.
You Can Expect
A Cappella Music
Many folks enjoy singing. The Bible commands us to sing (Colossians 3:16). The Central Church of Christ gives each worshipper an opportunity to make music in the heart (Ephesians 5:19). You can expect this system to continue. It has worked well in the past, and we get lots of favorable compliments about the beauty of our singing. You can expect to enjoy it.
You Can Expect a Positive Sermon From the Bible
Our preacher believes in being positive, even when he preaches. Knowing that he must reprove, rebuke, and exhort (2 Timothy 4:2), he does it in a positive way. You can expect to be motivated to turn your life around, obey Jesus Christ, and go home feeling good about your spiritual relationship. It's time Christians quit apologizing for their faith and start living it and sharing it with the lost because faith is the answer to most of life's problems. You can expect the people who worship at the Central Church of Christ to hold these ideas very noble.
You Can Expect the Lord's Supper to be Served
At every Sunday service the communion is offered. Not every church does this weekly, but the Central Church of Christ does. There is neither "open" nor "closed" communion. Each person decides for oneself if one wishes to participate. Knowing that this is something between the worshipper and God (1 Corinthians 11:28), no one else will judge whether one should take it or let it pass.
You Can Expect to be Invited Back
Don't expect to just slide in and slide out unnoticed and ignored. The Christians at Central Church of Christ will want you to know you are welcome. It may very well be that you will never have an occasion to come our way again. but one thing is certain, you will know you are welcome to come worship God anytime you wish.
Feel free to contact us if you have other questions.
We'll be looking for you.
You Can Expect To Find A Seat
Our auditorium is not full yet. We hope someday seating will be a problem, but it is not now. Some folks like to sit near the front to avoid the disturbance of other people. Others like to sit near the back, and that's fine. If it wasn't, the Lord would have designed a worshipping room where there were no back seats. The point is, when you attend the Central Church of Christ, you can expect to be able to look around and pick your own seat among the other worshippers.
You Can Expect to Enter Into an Open Bible Study
The Bible is God's inspired book, inerrantly given, verbally inspired. People are right in their interest in learning as much of God's Word as they can. You can expect questions to be asked by people in the class. The teacher will not do all the talking. Some of these questions may seem very elementary to you. but there are no "dumb questions" when people are searching for more knowledge about the Bible. You may even hear someone refer to a modern version of the Bible in this open Bible Study. This is permitted. Sometimes to get to the whole meaning of a word or verse, research is necessary. So don't be surprised if you hear someone quote from a modern version of the Bible.
You Can Expect an Invitation
At Central Church of Christ, no one is high pressured to do anything. But at the end of the sermon, a song will be sung. While the congregation is standing and singing, a convenient time is provided for people who may wish to respond to Christ. This response is indicated by moving to the front of the auditorium. Our preacher will assist them in a very special way. One may be having problems and request the prayers of the church, or one may need to confess sins, or one may wish to be baptized for the remission of sins. You can expect the invitation to be given as a convenience and encouragement at each of the services.
You Can Expect a Collection to be Taken
The Bible teaches Christians to give as they have been prospered (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). No one has the right to require or even request another to give a certain amount. Each person should purpose in his heart (2 Corinthians 9:7) and give that amount. Never miss worship because you may feel embarrassed by the amount you give (Mark 12:42). You can expect the collection plate to be passed through the congregation; the rest is up to you. This collection is taken only on Sunday at the morning service. On Sunday nights, Wednesday nights, and special occasions, no collection will be taken.
