When you arrive at Oak Grove Church of Christ you’ll discover that we offer a simple worship to the Lord. Our aim is to worship the Lord God in spirit and truth. We seek to following the pattern set in place by the apostles of Jesus Christ and seen in the New Testament by the 1st century Christians.
What to Expect During a Worship Assembly
Our worship is simple, and our goal is to honor God above ourselves as we remember His great love for us, and the sacrifice His Son, Jesus, made for us. We know that without His merciful, forgiving love we would be lost. So we offer a simple sacrifice of praise and remembrance to our Lord and King.
Everyone is welcome to join in our assembly. We are made up of Christians from diverse backgrounds and all ages are welcome as well. Our membership is made up of individuals and families from teens and young adults through our older and wiser aged members. Families are also invited to bring their children into the worship assembly. Our families have children that range in age from newborn through teen years. We have a small nursery facility conveniently located for any babycare need that may arise.
Congregational Singing
The first time you attend a worship with us you may be surprised by our simple worship in song. Together, we join in singing as a congregation, lifting our voices and hearts in praise to the Father. You’ll also notice that we use no mechanical instruments.
Singing praises to God has been seen throughout the scriptures. We even see Jesus participating in the singing of a hymn (Matthew 26:29-31). The Apostle Paul instructed the early Christians to sing, making melody in your heart, to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19) He also instructed in what to sing; psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16).
In the passages mentioned above, we only see the command to sing. We read no instruction for the use of any mechanical instruments except the voice and the heart. Because we desire to do only what is authorized through scripture, we simply sing no more, no less.
To keep our worship expedient and the command to do all things decently and in order, (1 Corinthians 14:14) a song leader serves to lead the assembly in pre-selected songs. We utilize both hymn books and presentation slides so that all in attendance can follow along as we lift voices of praise together in singing to our God.
Listen to a sampling of congregational singing here:
The Lord’s Supper
During our worship assembly on the first day of each week we will spend time remembering the Lord’s sacrifice. This time of worship is often referred to as The Lord’s Supper, or the Communion of our Lord.
In Matthew 26 we read that on the night that our Lord was betrayed, He instituted a memorial asking his disciples to partake of bread, which represents His body, and fruit of the vine; grape juice, in remembrance of his blood. It is a simple, yet profound, reminder that He gave His pure, Holy Life as a ransom for our sins.
We see that following the establishment of His church in Acts 2, that the disciples met together on the first day of the week to partake of the bread (Acts 20:7) to commemorate the death of Christ. Observing this memorial feast is something we do each first day of the week, when we come together in worship of our God and Savior.
During this time, a member of the church will lead our thoughts to the sacrifice that Jesus the Christ made, and expressing our gratitude and asking the Lord’s blessing, in prayer, for each of the parts of the supper. Christians partake of the supper of our Lord, by eating a small portion of bread, and drinking a small portion of the fruit of the vine, each being a reminder of the body and blood of Jesus.
One at a time, trays of both bread and fruit juice are passed through the aisles, and each person individually takes of the supper. As a visitor, you are not compelled to partake of this supper and may simply pass the tray to the next person if you are unsure what you are to do.
However, if you are a Christian and desire to observe the supper, you may do so. In this remembrance, we are instructed to, “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” 1 Corinthians 11:28-29.
It is a time for each person to individually reflect in remembrance of what the Lord has done.
“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”
– 1 Corinthians 11:26
Partaking in this memorial supper follows the teaching of the Lord, the teaching of His apostles and the example of the New Testament church (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
Contribution
Each first day of the week, we have a convenient time when we allow our members to give as they have prospered. This time is set aside, in accordance with Bible teaching (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), for the members of the local church congregation to give money that will enable us to carry out the church’s work.
No one is compelled to give a certain amount, or to feel under a compulsion to give excepting that they have a personal desire to give to the Lord. Our guests are not expected to contribute money. You may simply pass the basket to the next person.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
– 2 Corinthians 9:7
Prayer
At various times during the assembly we will pray to our Lord. During this brief period of time, one of the men of the congregation will lead our thoughts as we join our minds in prayer.
As we see in Philippians 4:6-7, we know that when we pray to the Lord with both thanksgiving and supplication, we will come to know the peace of God which surpasses all understanding.
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
–1 Peter 5:7
Bible Preaching
Because we are seeking to honor God by obeying His word, it is important for us to study to gain understanding for our lives (2 Timothy 2:15).
Through preaching of the word we may be built up in faith and when necessary, be corrected, reproved, and instructed. This helps us to ensure we are walking in of righteousness (2 Timothy 3:15-17).
Therefore, we seek to study together, while maintaining the command that everything be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40). As such, during our worship assembly we will be taught the word by a preacher of the gospel, and sometimes by an elder, or deacon. And, still other times a male member of the church might present a message from the word.
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”
-1 Peter 2:2
As was stated above, these are expressions of worship that can be clearly seen in the New Testament. Our desire is not to add or take from God’s word (Revelation 22:18-19), but to do only that for which we have authority. By approaching our worship with the understanding that God is the only audience and all of us are participants, we are confident that He is pleased and nothing makes us more joyful than that.
“Give to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering and come before Him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!”
— 1 Chronicles 16:29
What to Expect During Bible Classes
In addition to our worship assembly, we utilize our gathering for a period of Bible study. Each Bible class offers students a time to study the scriptures. The study is led by a teacher who facilitates the lesson. This period of time is less formal than worship. It is intended as a time that is a cooperative study. Questions are asked, scripture is examined, and discussion can help others to grow in knowledge of God’s truth.
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”
Bible Class for Adults
Our classes for adults are led by one of the men of the congregation. These classes focus on the study of scripture. Our aim is to allow the Lord’s word to teach us, admonish us, and correct us, so that we will be prepared for every good work, (2 Timothy 3:14-17).
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
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.
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
— Colossians 3:15-17
While attending a Bible class if you have questions you can simply raise your hand, or indicate to the teacher that you want to ask a question, or make a statement. We welcome open discussion, as we try to also do all things decently and in order.
“Let all things be done decently and in order.” 1 Corinthians 14:40
– 2 Peter 3:18
Bible Class for Children
Children are welcome to attend Bible class. We have children’s classes for Toddler through PreK, Elementary, and Teens. During this time a smaller class is available for a variety of children’s age groups.
These classes are led by a teacher and designed to help children learn from God’s word at a level that they can understand.
If you or your child would prefer to not leave mom & dad’s side, they are welcome to join you in the adult class.
Bible Class Times
- Sunday Morning at 9:30 A.M.
- Wednesday Evening at 7:00 P.M.
All are welcome.
If you have questions, feel free to contact us.
