We want you to visit us at the Central Kitsap 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 are not flawless, and that our practices are sometimes colored by habit, preference, tradition, or convenience.
Now, let us walk you through a worship service. There may be some variations from this description, because every Church of Christ is autonomous, self-ruled, and independent.
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 simply believe it's best to exclude it as well. (1Corinthians 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. 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 find him referred to as brother, or just 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. (Matthew 23:8-12, Galatians 3:26-28, 1Peter 2:5&9)
The sermon will likely be from 20 to 30 minutes. We think you will find it refreshingly Bible-centered.
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 at all.
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 may witness the baptism during the service. The baptism will be by immersion. (Acts 8:35-39, Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12) And, it will be for the remission of sins. (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. (Neander, Eusebius)
During this memorial, plates containing pieces of unleavened bread will be passed throughout the congregation. The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus. (1Corinthians 11:23-25) Each participating person will break off a piece of the bread and eat it.
Next, trays filled with small cups will contain "fruit of the vine", usually grape juice, symbolizing the blood of Jesus. (1Corinthians 11:23-25) 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. (1Corinthians 16:1-2)
As our guest, you are not expected to make a donation or offering. Feel perfectly comfortable in just passing the collection plate or container 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. Feel free to decline this request if that is your preference.
The People
What kind of people can you expect to find? Pretty much the entire spectrum, as in any group.
You will find traditionalists - and you will find those who prefer anything new over everything old.
You will find those of us who mistake our traditions for absolute truth, and get pretty bent out of shape when they are tampered with. And, you will find those of us who are a bit smug at having been liberated from tradition. You will find legalists and liberals - and a lot of people in between.
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'll find us to be like the little West Texas community that has a billboard a the edge of town which says, "The Home of 3,000 Friendly People - And A Few Old Soreheads".
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 we are sinners in need of the cleansing blood of Jesus. (Mark 2:17, Romans 5:6-9, Ephesians 1:7, 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.
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