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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:
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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.
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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).
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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).
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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)
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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 many different
areas. (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
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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)
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