Frankly Answered Questions - FAQs
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Frankly Answered Questions - FAQs
What is a typical church service like?
Q: I am curious as to the style of worship that your church engages in. After many moves around the world and many different church homes I have found that I look for a worshipful music program and strong instruction in God's Word when I am looking for a church.
If you would be so kind as to give me a short blow by blow of a normal Sunday service I would be so very grateful.
A: Our services begin at 10:30 AM and usually last for 1-1/2 hours. We spend about 30 minutes in worship and about 30 minutes in teaching. Here is a typical Sunday service:
- Call to Worship - led by one of the men of the congregation who is assigned for one month.
- Worship Songs - We have a worship team consisting or piano, guitars, flute, violin, and drums which lead us in worship. Most of the songs are contemporary worship songs; at least one "older" hymn each Sunday. The congregation views the words on a video screen. Sometimes we stand, sometimes sit, some raise hands, others do not. Our worship has a Jewish core with a variety of other styles.
- Welcome Visitors - Lead by one of the elders.
- Dismiss Children to Children’s Church - For ages 3 through grade five.
- Sermon - Our co-pastors are Dennis & Lars. Dennis is more of a "teacher" than a "preacher." Lars is more of a "preacher" than a "teacher," which makes for a nice mix of styles. Notes are usually given as handouts or projected on the video screen for the congregation to follow. Dennis has a unique style in that people feel free to ask questions and make comments during the teaching. Other elders also preach upon occasion. We have a solid teaching ministry in the church. People learn and are expected to use their Bible at New Life, so bring your Bible with you or, if you need one, contact us.
- Children Return/Communion - We have communion on the first Sunday of every month. It is done in various ways (sometimes coming forward, sometimes passed to the congregation). Children are welcome to participate in communion at the discretion of their parents.
- Offering - We have three methods for giving at New Life. We take up an offering during the church service. Or if you prefer to not have others observe your giving, there is an offering box in the back of the sanctuary. Giving can also be done by direct deposit from your bank account. (For our church financial policies see NLCC: Financial Policies and Goals).
- Closing (Benediction, encouragement, or doxology) - Done by one of the church elders.
These elements aren't set in cement and sometimes we add elements like a time of testimony, sharing of prayer needs, missions report, a special time of prayer, a dance presentation or a dramatic presentation. Announcements are usually done through the church bulletin or projected on the video screen. Our church service has a "family feel" meaning that there is a sense of close relationship and mutual participation.
I hope this is helpful to you in making your decision. I think that it was a very wise question that more people should ask.
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