Many people are hesitant to attend worship services at an unfamiliar church. To help alleviate any apprehensions you may have regarding this congregation we would like to explain what you can expect when you visit us at Collinsville.
Courtesy And Kindness
First of all, everyone is greeted with equal courtesy and kindness (Acts 10:34-35; Galatians 3:28). You will find no entertainment with beautiful organ or piano music. Like the first century Christians, we will engage in the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19). The words used in our songs will be easy to understand (1 Cor. 14:15). God has commanded the sincere praise of His people to come from the heart (Colossians 3:16).
Order And Reverence
You will not be confused by many people speaking or praying at the same time. Good order will prevail at every service (1 Corinthians 14:33). You will observe one of the brethren leading the congregation reverently and quietly in prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-5). If you are present on Sunday, the Lord’s Day, you will observe the congregation eating bread and drinking the fruit of the vine in memory of the death of Christ (Matthew 26:26-29). We do this on the first day of every week, like the Christians in the first century (Acts 20:7). You will not find special collections taken at every service. A collection is taken only on the Lord’s Day (1 Corinthians 16:1-3). This congregation is supported by the free will offerings of its members. We do not ask nonmembers to financially support our work, nor do we engage in fund raising activities like rummage sales and bingo games. We specialize in being a church, and do not compete with places of amusement.
The Bible Is Our Only Guide
You will observe that the Bible is the textbook to which reference is repeatedly made in our classes and sermons. Special emphasis is placed on that part of the Bible known as the New Testament (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Romans 1:16). You will never be asked to accept what some man says about the Bible; we want you to read the Bible for yourself to see “whether those things are so” (Acts 17:11). The audience will not be embarrassed or singled out for any sort of demonstration or
testimony. You can quietly observe and study that which you see and hear (1 Corinthians 14:40).
Salvation In Christ
You will hear obedience to the will of Christ emphasized as necessary to salvation: faith in Christ as taught in the gospel (Romans 10:17); repentance (Luke
24:47); confession of faith in Christ (Romans 10:9-10); and baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). If there should be a response from someone in the audience to the appeal mentioned above, you will see them taken to a pool of water where, in simple likeness to the burial of Christ, they will be buried in water raised to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:3-4).
Expect A Serving Church
The members of the Collinsville Church of Christ see themselves as God’s servants. God has blessed us so that we might be a blessing to others. Much of our fellowship and activity together is focused on equipping ourselves to serve others. We want to follow the apostle Paul’s example of sharing not only the Gospel of Christ, but our lives as well (1 Thess. 2:8).
Expect A Teaching Church
We believe the Gospel of Christ was made to be shared. Personal study of the Bible is offered to you through many means. For Example:
- Free Bible Correspondence Course: Many people enjoy studying the Bible in the privacy of their own home, at their convenience. Our
correspondence courses are designed with these people in mind. Your enrollment in these studies will be welcomed. - Free Home Bible Study: Qualified men and women of the congregation are willing and eager to study the Bible with you, in person, in the comfort of your own home. You may simply want to ask questions that been on your mind for a long time, or you may want our family member to take the lead in studying the basic principles of Biblical Christianity with you. Just call, anytime, and an appointment can be made.
- Free Bible Tracts: An excellent list of Bible tracts on all topics of interest.
- Free Bible Call: An excellent list of Bible topics that have been carefully researched by hundreds of prominent religious leaders from across the nation. It is completely automated and available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Expect A Learning Church
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. It is our only trustworthy guide for life, and for all that we believe and practice as a church. For this reason, studying the Bible together is a high priority for the Collinsville family. You are welcome to attend any of our Bible classes including our Sunday morning class at 10:00 a.m., and our Wednesday evening class at 7:00 p.m. We have excellent classes at theses times for all ages, children and adult.
Expect A Worshipping Church
The family at Collinsville assembles to worship together each Sunday morning at 11:00 a. m. God is praised as we sing, pray, give, commune together, and as the Word of God is preached to everyone. The people in our assembly are built up and encouraged. You will find this assembly a fellowship and “family feeling” that reflects the love we have for one another.
Expect A Bible-Centered Church
The Bible is our only guide for our belief and practice. We want to be Christians only, and we diligently strive to reproduce the church of the first century in its faith, teaching, practice and in its warm fellowship.
A Final Word
You are cordially invited to visit any Bible class or assembly conducted by the Collinsville Church of Christ. A warm and friendly welcome awaits you.