The Church At Oak Mountain
We would like for you to be our guest at the
Church of Christ at Oak Mountain .
We know that unfamiliar places can be confusing and we want you to feel comfortable while with us, so let us tell you what you can expect.
Our Plea
Our goal is to be first century Christians in a twenty-first century world. We hope to accomplish this by appealing solely to the Bible as our guide in religious matters. We believe that we must allow neither personal preference nor human tradition to determine our course. We wear no name but "Christian." In the work and worship of the church it is our aim to do only those things which rest upon Scriptural authority. We appeal to no creed but the Bible and no confession of faith other than “Jesus is Lord."
Place of Worship
Our building consists of rooms for Bible classes and an auditorium in which we assemble for worship. No seat is reserved so feel free to sit anywhere you choose. As we worship, we recall the words of Jesus to worship in "Spirit and truth" (John 4:24)
Singing
In the book rack in front of you, there will be a hymn book for your use. When the song leader announces the number of a song you can turn to that place to find the words and music. You may recognize the songs which are sung, but some may be new to you. We are not concerned about how well people sing, only that our singing is offered to God from the heart.
It is our practice to sing without accompanying instruments. This is not simply our preference, it is our conviction. We believe that singing this way rests upon New Testament authority (Ephesians 5:19 ; Colossians 3:16 ; 1 Corinthians 14:15 ), and as we have said, it is our aim to do only those things sanctioned by the New Testament.
Prayer
Early Christians prayed when they came together for worship (1 Corinthians 14:15 ; Acts 2:42 ). No doubt in these prayers they "made their requests known to God" (Philippians 4:6). We, like them, have needs which we want to take to God in prayer, so in our worship, prayers are led. Sometimes these needs will be stated very specifically. At other times more general requests and thanksgivings will be made. We want to be sure to practice the teaching of Jesus that "people ought always to pray and not lose heart" (Luke 18:1).
Preaching
An important part of the service is the sermon. It is delivered by the preacher (also called evangelist or minister). The preacher is not set apart from other members of the church by special clothing or titles. All believers are equal (Matthew 23:8).
At the end of the service an Invitation will be extended. The sermon is brought to a close and a song is sung by the congregation. If there are those present who want to ask for help in their spiritual lives they may respond at this time.
Some may come asking for prayers on their behalf. Others may make public confession of sin. There may be no public response.
Still others may ask to be baptized. If this occurs, the baptism will be conducted during the service in keeping with the New Testament practice of baptizing the "same hour" upon repentance and a confession of faith in Jesus as the Christ (Acts 16:33; 8:37-38; 2:38). The baptism will be by immersion, in the name of Christ, and for the remission of sins.
The Lord's Supper
If you attend a Sunday morning service, the Lord's Supper will be served. We understand from the Scriptures that the early church observed the Lord's Supper each first day of the week (Acts 20:7). We are committed to following their example and so offer the Lord's Supper every Sunday.
During this memorial, plates of unleavened bread are passed to the congregation. This bread symbolizes the body of Jesus. Next, trays containing small cups of "fruit of the vine" (grape juice) are passed. This represents the blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:23 -25).
Every Christian may participate in the Lord's Supper. It is a time of self examination as we remember and meditate on the death of Jesus.
Contribution
If you attend on Sunday a collection will also be taken. The collection plate will be passed so that each member will have the opportunity to give according to his or her ability. These are taken only on Sunday (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Those who are not members at Oak Mountain are not expected to give, but may if they choose to.
What Will Be Expected of You?
Nothing at all! You are welcome to participate, but not obligated. You may be asked to fill out a visitor's card. If you wish, you may provide information so that a letter may be sent or visit made to thank you for being with us.
The People
What kind of people can you expect to find? Pretty much the same kind of people you would find in other such groups. We are a diverse collection of people from a wide variety of backgrounds and at different stages of spiritual growth. We don't know everything. We may not do everything perfectly. We haven't arrived. We are still on the journey. You will not have to look far to find things that need improvement. But we hope you will also find people who love God and who are thankful that Christ died for us.
If you would like to learn more about the church or just study the Bible together, please let us know.