When people visit a congregation of the church of Christ for the first time they sometimes notice a few differences that they may not be accustomed to. The basis for these differences, briefly detailed below, is found in our endeavor to conduct our assemblies with very close attention given to the pattern set forth by the inspired writers of the New Testament.  There are sound, scriptural reasons for everything we do, as well as for everything we do not do.

     We diligently strive to avoid traditions of human design which come into conflict with the word of God (Matthew 15:3-9). Consequently, we put forth maximum effort to "...speak as the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11)" and strive to be "...ready to give an answer to every man that asketh (1 Peter 3:15)" regarding the practice of our faith.  The Apostle Paul's instruction to Timothy is also our goal, to: "Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 1:13)." During the process of our preaching and teaching you may expect to hear many references to scripture, and many Bible verses quoted.  Our doctrine is the doctrine of Christ (2 John 6-11).

    You will want to pick up a song book and sing along with us as we praise God and instruct one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16). Our music is acappella, meaning that we use no mechanical instrumental accompaniment. The New Testament of our Lord Jesus Christ directs the church to "sing" (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16-17) and makes no mention of, and consequently provides no authority for, other accompaniment than that which is made in the "heart." In this matter, as well as in all other things, we endeavor to neither add to, nor take away from the words of the Lord (Revelation 22:18-19).

     We also share in the communion of the Lord's supper upon the first day of each week as the church did in the days of the Apostles (Acts 20:7). The Bible teaches that each individual should "examine himself" so that he partake worthily (1 Corinthians 11:23-29). The first step in worthily partaking of the Lord's supper, the unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine, is to become a Christian after the New Testament pattern (Acts 2:38; 22:16), and then to remain faithful to Jesus and His doctrine regarding life and service.

     Prayer also plays an important role in all of our assemblies, just as it does in our private lives (1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Timothy 2:1-4). The assembly will normally be lead in prayer by a faithful Christian male so as to not violate the admonition that "...all be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40)."

     The giving of our means to support the work of the church, as with the Lord's supper, is also a regular part of our worship upon the first day of each week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). "Tithing" is not the proper word for giving under the law of Christ, for it was peculiar to the Old Testament and the law of Moses. Rather, Christians are each commanded to give ". . . as God has prospered him" and "...according as he purposeth in his heart (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7)." Consequently, according to how one has been prospered by God, the Christian's giving may well exceed the tithe of the Old Testament.

     We hope that these few words have been informative. We will happily discuss any questions or comments you may have about your visit with us!