Our worship services include congregational singing of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19). Several prayers are offered to God as well (Acts 2:42). Communion is observed by partaking of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine (1 Corinthians 11:23-29). Members make a financial offering for the poor and the spread of the gospel (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Guests are not expected to give. Then one of our many trained preachers delivers a sermon from the Bible. All are encouraged to bring their Bibles and follow along (2 Timothy 2:15). At the sermon's end, the Lord's invitation is offered (Matthew 11:28-30) for any who want to become Christians or rededicate their lives to God. The service lasts about an hour. Guests may sit silently in the service, or they may participate.
WHAT YOU MAY FIND TO BE DIFFERENT
Beautiful A Capella Singing
The whole congregation sings a capella (without mechanical instruments), just as they did in New Testament times (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Visitors may sing along or simply listen. Many first-time visitors comment on how beautiful the singing is. Some say they find it easier to focus on the song's meaning since the words are more easily understood than with musical accompaniment.
Lord's Supper Observed Each Sunday
The church of Christ has communion every week, just as they did in New Testament times (Acts 20:7). It is a highlight of the week to commemorate Christ's death and celebrate his promised return.
WE STRIVE TO BE
Friendly
The Forest Hill church of Christ strives to be a "visitor friendly" church. Since many of our members were at one time visitors themselves, we know how it feels on a first visit. We make it our goal to be the friendliest church you have ever visited. We aim to treat others the way we want to be treated, like Jesus said (Matthew 7:12). You'll receive a warm greeting and find assistance to locate your class (or your children's) and/or a comfortable seat in the worship service. You will not be singled out, made to stand, encouraged to give any "testimony," or in any other way made to feel embarrassed. The services are simple, reverent, practical, and meaningful.
Bible-Based, Christ-Centered, Heaven-Bound
When you visit, you will meet people who, just like you, sincerely want to follow the teachings of the Bible and please God with their lives. You'll find that every sermon and class is based on the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16,17). In fact, members and visitors are urged to bring their own Bibles and follow along. We strive to do Bible things in Bible ways, and to call Bible things by Bible names - nothing more or nothing less. We seek to exalt Christ in our songs, prayers, sermons, and lives (Colossians 1:18). An air of hope fills the church as we think of the beautiful promise of heaven for God's faithful children (Revelation 21).
WE STRIVE TO PROVIDE
Free Materials
You will find free booklets, pamphlets, tracts, and back issues of publications displayed in the entrance areas. These are free to any member or guest. A personal home Bible study (open Bible or video) is available for those who want to know more.
A Place for Everyone
Christ's church is made up of all kinds of people (1 Corinthians 12; Galatians 3:27-28). You will find members of all races, educational backgrounds, and economic levels who feel comfortable in our services. We mean it when we say, "Everybody is welcome."
Emphasis on Family and Bible
The church of Christ places a great emphasis on Bible school. We feel that children are important and that our God-given responsibility is to assist parents in teaching them about their origin, purpose, and destiny. They should come to know their Creator, Redeemer, Lord, and Savior early in life (Ecclesiastes 12:1; Matthew 19:14). They have been born into a mixed-up world, so we try to ground them in the simple truth so they will know right from wrong.
So bring your Bible and come for that visit you've been thinking about. We'll save you a seat.
