WHAT TO EXPECT...
WE WELCOME VISITORS
Whether we have met you before or not, you will be welcome. Sometimes visitors want to find out more before they attend a service. On this page, we give a more detailed explanation of what to expect.
THE GOSPEL MEETING
The Gospel Meeting is a structured service. It may include prayers (led from the front), Bible readings, and singing, and a 'message' which is where we listen to someone preach from the Bible. The exact order and content will depend on the person leading the service.
​
The prayers will take a variety of forms. For example they may be prayers of adoration to God, or prayers of confession of sin. You may hear prayers of thanksgiving, and prayers for others and their needs. After a prayer, we say, 'Amen.'
​
We sing in the Gospel Meeting. We currently use two hymnbooks: 'Redemption Hymnal' which contains traditional hymns, and 'Mission Praise' which contains a mix of older hymns, new hymns, and more modern worship songs. If a musician is present, the singing may be accompanied by a piano, but if not then we sing unaccompanied.
​
​​The speaker will often preach a message which includes a challenge to any listeners who are not yet Christians to put their faith in the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. The speaker may be one of the elders, or someone else from the church who preaches, or a visiting speaker from another church.
​
The name 'Gospel Meeting' is traditional, and reflects our history. It refers to the preaching being evangelistic in emphasis. However, the Gospel Meeting has also become a time of worship for the church, and the preaching will often include exposition and application for those who are already believers. Our approach to spreading the message of Jesus Christ is broader than just this one service.
​
The Gospel Meeting usually lasts 45 to 50 minutes, and is followed by tea and coffee refreshments in the back room. This is a great opportunity to chat and catch up with one another.
THE BREAKING OF BREAD MEETING
The Breaking of Bread Meeting is the service where we take part in the memorial meal of bread and wine. The Lord Jesus taught us to do this in remembrance of him. The atmosphere of the service is both reverent and joyful.
​
This commemorative meal is also called 'The Lord's Supper' or 'Communion.' The bread represents the body of the Lord Jesus, and the wine represents his blood.
​​
There is a table at the front with bread and wine on it. In this service, there will be prayers, hymns, readings, and short explanations, and in our tradition these are not pre-arranged. The content of the meeting will often follow a theme. The focus is on the Lord Jesus Christ, his death on the cross to atone for our sins, his resurrection and ascension, and his presence with his church.
​
During the meeting, someone will give thanks for the bread, and distribute it. We each then break off a small piece if the bread and eat it. The same thing then happens with the wine, which is given out in small glasses.
​
The Lord's Supper is for baptised believers. While anyone is welcome to observe the meeting, if you are not sure whether to eat and drink, please let the bread and wine pass by - no one will mind.
​
If you are a baptised Christian, visiting from another church where you are in good standing, we will be delighted to welcome you to share in the breaking of bread with us - please speak to one of the elders beforehand, so that we can warmly welcome you by name.
​
​One thing that you may notice in the Breaking of Bread Meeting, is that the meeting is led by men. In line with apostolic teaching, and the common practice of the universal church, we believe that leadership in the church is male. This is particularly noticeable in the Breaking of Bread Meeting, because it is usual for several men to lead in turn, rather than just one. Men who lead the church's worship in the Breaking of Bread Meeting do so under the oversight of the elders.
​
We sing in the Breaking of Bread Meeting. Our hymnbook for this meeting is the new edition of 'Believers Hymnbook'. One distinctive thing that you may notice is that in this service we do not use instrumental musical accompaniment. This is a tradition that we value, and we find it has a number of benefits.
​
At the end of the Meeting, we take up a collection. Visitors are not expected to contribute, though you may if you wish. The Meeting usually closes with a hymn, or a brief message of encouragement, notices and a closing prayer.
PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY MEETING
On a Wednesday Evening, we meet for a time of prayer, followed by Bible teaching. The Bible teaching will be given by one of the elders, or someone from our own church, or by a visiting speaker from another church.
​
The style of teaching will vary - but it is usually expositional. This means the speaker will go through a passage from the Bible and explain and apply it.
​
We tend to use literal translations of the Bible into English, such as the Authorised Version, the New King James version, or the English Standard Version.
​
​
BAPTISMS
If a service involves baptisms, this will be a very joyful event. We have a large baptistry at the front, which we fill with water. Those being baptised will go into the water one at a time, and the elders will ask them brief questions, and then immerse them in the water, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, as commanded by the Lord Jesus.
​
Baptism symbolises cleansing from sin, union with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection, and the beginning of a life of discipleship in Christ's church.
​
While recognising that churches have differing views about baptism, it is our church's practice to baptise by immersion those who profess faith in Christ.​
​