Worship: What to Expect

The church of Christ that meets at Hilldale is a diverse congregation that includes a crowd of all ages.  You will find individuals and families from all walks of life: military, APSU students, business owners, law enforcement, office workers, teachers, high school students, retirees, truck drivers, retail workers, and everything in between.  The churches of Christ are diversified, so you will find all races and nationalities working and worshiping together within the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

Welcome

On Sunday, our worship services will begin with a welcome and a song. 

Our Elders, also known as shepherds, help guide and lead the church that meets here at Hilldale (Acts 14:23; James 5:14; Titus 1;6-9; ). 

Singing

Our worship music is “a cappella,” which means that we sing together without the accompaniment of musical instruments. This practice is in keeping with the early church and what we read in the New Testament (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19). During our singing, we use only our voices to praise God.

Praying

During our worship assembly, we will pause for prayer, led by one of the men.  We believe in the power of prayer, and we often pray for specific needs, people, events, and other requests that are made known (Romans 12:12).

The Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper (some refer to it as communion) will always be included every Sunday during our worship.  The reason for weekly observance is our desire to follow the pattern of the early church set forth in Acts 20:7. During this time, we partake of unleavened bread and the “fruit of the vine.”  The unleavened bread symbolizes the body of Jesus, and the grape juice (or “fruit of the vine") symbolizes the blood of Christ.  This weekly memorial can be read about in 1 Corinthians 11:23-29.  Each participating Christian will participate in this weekly reflection on Christ’s death.  We encourage all baptized believers to participate in the Lord’s Supper every Sunday.  If you choose not to participate, do not feel embarrassed or out of place.  This is a great time to read your Bible, pray, or meditate.

The Giving

We offer a way for members to give back to the Lord through contribution, as we read about in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.  As a guest, you will not be asked nor expected to make a contribution.

Scripture Reading

Before the sermon, everyone will stand for a public reading of God’s Word. The words will be displayed on the screen for all to see and read to themselves.

Sermon/Lesson

Our ministers do not have special titles like Pastor or Reverend, and they do not wear special clothing that sets them apart.  Our ministers are part of the church that meets here at Hilldale, however at this time in our worship they get to use their gifts God has blessed them with to share a message from God’s Word.  The sermon will usually be about 20-35 minutes long and will be Bible-centered.  You may follow along in your own Bible, or there are some on the back of the pew in front of you that you can use.  You will also discover that some passages are projected on the screen during the sermon. If you have any questions about what you hear during a sermon, please feel welcome and comfortable asking our ministers, elders, deacons, or any church member.

At the sermon's close, the speaker will offer an “invitation.” During this time, the congregation will stand and sing.  If anyone would like to ask for prayers, confess sins publicly, or ask to be baptized, they may come down front during this time.  This is just a convenient time to ask for help or solicit prayers so we can live out James 5:16. During the song, two of our Elders will join our speaker down front to meet anyone who may “come forward.”  There is no need to feel uncomfortable during this part of our worship.  You will not be asked to do anything or be singled out.  If any “respond,” one of our Elders will stand up and lead us in prayer for that person, or someone may get ready to be baptized.

Baptism

If someone responds for baptism, they will confess their faith in Jesus Christ and will be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins.  The entire assembly will be able to watch the baptism.  The baptism will be by immersion (Acts 8:35-39; Romans 6:3) and for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38). The baptism will occur after the service has concluded. While the one being baptized is getting ready, the announcement, giving, and closing song and prayer will be led.