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 play by play of a normal Sunday service I would be so very grateful.

A: Our services schedule begins at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM and usually last for 1-1/2 to 2 hours. We spend about 30 minutes in worship and about 30 minutes in teaching. Children ages 4 - 12 are in their own service that is geared to their age group. Nursery is provided for children 0 - 3. Here is a typical Sunday service:

- Welcome Visitors/Announcements - led by one of the men of the congregation or staff. The people are welcomed and informed of any announcements or special events. The people are then asked to move about the building and greet each other. This allows time for families to get to know each other and promotes a warm excepting atmosphere for visitors.

-Worship Songs - We have a worship team consisting of piano, guitars, flute, keyboards, percussion, 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 one purpose, to bring the people into the presence of the Lord so that the preached word can be effective and find fertile soil in each believer.

-Offering- Tithes are received to support local and international ministries with in the body of Christ.

-Communion - We have communion on the first Sunday of every month. It is done in various ways (sometimes coming forward, . Children are welcome to participate in communion at the discretion of their parents.

-Sermon - Pastor Hight is more of a "teacher" than a "preacher." Notes are usually projected on the video screen for the congregation to follow. He has a unique style in that each evokes different meanings in different people, but eventually a unified thought prevails and the people are challenged not only individually but also corporately as the body of Christ. The other elders preach upon occasion. We have a solid teaching ministry in the church. People learn and are expected to use their Bible at First Church.

-Alter Worship (response) - This part of the service allows for individual response to the preached word. Sometimes this is done by a showing of hands and sometimes by being invited to come forward and respond as the Holy Spirit directs. This is the time that people are ministered to by the church staff and elders of the church. The sick are healed, the broken hearted are mended, those held captive are set free, and the lost brought to the foot of the cross where Jesus waits with the free gift of eternal life!

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. Our church service has a "family feel" meaning that there is a sense of close relationship and mutual participation.