What You Can Expect
When You Visit The Griffin Road
Church of Christ

We want you to visit us at the Griffin Road 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.

Background
A short description of our background may help you understand us. We are part of "The Restoration Movement." Our goal is to "restore" the New Testament church in our time. That is, to determine from the Bible what the church was like in the beginning, and to be like that today.

We strive to be a Bible-centered church. We believe that we must avoid letting habit, preference, tradition or convenience color our beliefs and practices and allow the Bible to be our only guide in manners of faith and conduct. We have no "Church Manual," "CreedBook," or "Rule of Faith." We simply point people to the Bible as our only source of authority.

Now, let us walk you through our Sunday worship service.

Place of Meeting
Some churches of Christ meet in rented facilities or even in homes. However, most are like us and have for the sake of convenience, erected a church building. It is used not only for worship, but also for Bible study, fellowship get-together's and is often used by the community.

When you attend our worship service, you will enter what we refer to as the "auditorium." There are rows of pews (seats) and none are reserved, so feel free to sit anywhere you choose.

Singing
In a book rack in front of you, there will be a hymn book for your use. When the song leader announces a number, you can turn to that number in the song book to find the words and music. One of the unique things about churches of Christ 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. We seek to worship according to the New Testament pattern (1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:18-19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12). Since the New Testament leaves instrumental music out, we believe we must exclude it too.

We believe you will respect our reason and conviction and we think you will find the singing meaningful, with everyone being invited to participate.

Prayer
There will be several prayers during the service. And there may be prayers for specific needs and requests.

Preaching
The sermon is given by the "minister," "preacher," or "evangelist." He is referred to as brother and wears no special garments, as all believers are equal. (Matthew 23:8; Galatians 3:26-28; 1 Peter 2:5-9)

Lord's Supper
If you visit on a Sunday morning, the Lord's Supper will be observed, because churches of Christ observe this memorial every Sunday. The first century church of the Bible celebrated this observance on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). We understand from this that they did it every week. And we know from respected historians that in early centuries, the Lord's Supper was an every Sunday commemoration.

During the memorial, plates of unleavened bread are passed to the congregation. The bread symbolizes the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:23-25).

Next, trays filled with small cups will be distributed. The cups contain "fruit of the vine" (grape juice), symbolizing the blood of Jesus (1Corinthians 11:23-25). Each believer will drink the contents of one of the cups.

This is a time for Christians to meditate on and remember the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

Offering
If you visit on Sunday morning, a collection plate will be passed to collect the weekly financial offering (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).

As a guest, you are not expected to make a donation. Feel comfortable in not participating.

Invitation
At the close of the sermon, a convenient time is given to those moved to make a commitment or request prayerful support. Those who wish to respond are encouraged to come to the front of the auditorium while the congregation sings a hymn.

Some may respond for baptism, some come to confess sins. Some ask for prayer. Some may wish to place membership with this congregation.

If anyone responds for baptism, you will 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).

What will be expected of you?
Nothing at all! You are welcome to participate, but not obligated. You may be asked to fill out a Guest Card. If you wish, you may give information so that a letter may be sent or a visit may be made to thank you.

The People
What kind of people can you expect to find?

Pretty much the entire spectrum as in any group. You will find happy people, friendly people, loving people, people who are learning, and one or two who think they already know everything...you get the picture. We're a diverse group coming from varied backgrounds and different stages of knowledge and spiritual growth.

We don't know everything. We don't do everything perfectly. We have not arrived. We're just on the journey.

But you see, we were not brought together by any illusions of our perfection or righteousness; we were brought together by recognition that we are sinners in need of the cleansing blood of Jesus (Mark 2:17; Romans 5:6-9; Ephesians 1:7; 1John 1:7). You won't have to look deep to find our failures. But, bottom-line, you will find people who love Jesus.

Truly, the Griffin Road Church of Christ is a place ...where you fit in! contact us

© Griffin Road Church of Christ 2003.