WHO ARE WE?

Southwest Church of Christ ~ 3031 SW 104th Street ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ 73159
Phone: (405)378-3939 ~ Fax: (405)378-3933 ~ Email: staff@swcoc.org

The church that meets is overseen by men of our local congregation known as elders. These men are selected by this congregation on the basis of qualifications that are set forth in the New Testament (1 Timothy 3:1-8). We are independent of any governing organization. We are not associated with any national or world headquarters. However, we cooperate voluntarily with our sister congregations with gospel meetings, teacher training meetings and Vacation Bible Schools.

The church of Christ is noted for its emphasis upon returning to New Testament Christianity and for its desire to "be perfectly united in mind and thought" (1 Corinthians 1:10). We try to follow the basic, innocent faith that was proclaimed on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). Too many churches are appealing more to entertaining people. We recognize that God is in our lives and pleasing Him is much more important than pleasing ourselves. If you are earnest about learning more by means of studying the Holy Bible and obeying what it says, you will truly find a home here at Southwest.

At Southwest, you will be greeted with a pleasant friendly welcome. You will find that the sincerity of our worship is reverent yet warm. Worship is an opportunity to show God how much we admire His love, mercy and power. Aspects of our worship are explained below:

*SETTING:*	Our place of worship is calm, quiet and respectful. It is designed to draw worshipers closer to God and provide spiritual strength. No one is singled out for public attention. As you enter the auditorium you will notice rows of pews. There is no reserved seating. You are welcome to sit anywhere you choose.
*SINGING:*	One of the unique things about the church is that the music we sing is "a cappella". Meaning that we sing without the use of instrumental music. In the example of the early church, we do not add any mechanical instruments to the praises of God. The song leader will announce the number of a song in the hymnal that is located nearby. You are encouraged to join in singing praises to God (1 Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 5:18-19, Colossians 3:16).
*PRAYERS:*	A number of men will lead one of several prayers throughout the service. Generally, people bow their heads and close their eyes. This is intended to show reverence to God. What is most important is focusing on what is said (Philippians 4:6).
*COMMUNION:*	Jesus taught that we should observe the Lord's supper every week. Therefore, every Sunday we partake of the communion. We eat the broken bread and drink "the fruit of the vine" in remembrance of His death. Unleavened bread and grape juice is used during this time as we think that it was most commonly used in New Testament worship (Matthew 26:26-28).
*OFFERING:*	If you visit on a Sunday, an offering will be taken from the members of the congregation. This contribution is overseen by the elders and a portion is used for mission efforts (including benevolence) both locally and worldwide. Currently, we support work in sixteen different areas. (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
*PREACHING:*	At every service you will hear a lesson based on the principles of the Bible. Our local minister, a guest speaker or one of our own members may speak to the congregation for approximately 30 minutes (Matthew 28:18-20). At the conclusion of the sermon, he will extend "God's invitation" and encourage those who come to be baptized, ask for prayers or wish to place their membership with this church. If anyone comes forward wishing to be baptized, you will witness the baptism during this service. The baptism will be by immersion for the remission of sins (Acts 8:35-39, Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12, Acts 2:38)

If there is something here that you would like explained in more detail, please feel free to ask one of our members about it or call the church office and ask for the minister or one of the elders. And remember...