New Testament Worship

A New Testament-Style
Worship Service

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"Brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle." (2 Thessalonians 2:15)

Our aim is to hold the traditions of the first century church that Jesus built. We follow the pattern given by Jesus' apostles as closely as possible.

We all sing together without an instrument to accompany us.
Colossians 3:16: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (See also Ephesians 5:18-19) If you can't join in, just listen and follow the words.

Prayer is led out loud by one man while the congregation prays silently.
1 Timothy 2:1-12: "I exhort . . . that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence . . . that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands . . ."

We listen to a sermon taken from the scriptures.
Acts 2:42: They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

We encourage any who need prayer or spiritual assistance to share their need with us, usually after the sermon when we stand and sing a song.
James 5:16: "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed."

We take the Lord's Supper every Sunday.
1 Corinthians 11:23-33: "I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you; that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 'Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ' This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. . . . But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. . . . When you come together to eat, wait for one another."; Acts 20:7: "On the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread...."

We collect money from the members on Sunday.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2: "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come." Only our members are expected to donate to the work of the church, though visitors may, if they wish.

The money from the church collection is used for two purposes:

1) To help Christians in need

Acts 11:27-30: ". . . There was going to be a great famine throughout all the world. . . Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul." (See also 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9.)

2) To teach the gospel

This often involves supporting preachers and elders as they have need.
1 Corinthians 9:6-14: ". . . The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel."; 1 Timothy 5:17-18: "Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, 'You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,' and 'The laborer is worthy of his wages.'"
(See also Philippians 4:14-16).

You are also welcome to join us for Bible classes, when we divide into groups by age and discuss the Scriptures. All are encouraged to share their questions and comments during class, at the direction of the teacher.

As Paul directed the Corinthian church, we try always to do things "decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40). The one making announcements or the song leader will begin and end the service and will tell us when to stand. You will treated as an honored guest and will never be called on or embarrassed in any way.

May God bless you to find a church trying to follow the New Testament pattern. (For help, see Links > Church Finder.)

Written by Ink Man

Quotes are from the New King James Version of the Bible.