The main purpose of our meetings (church services) is to teach, edify and encourage one

another in the Christian Faith as the scriptures teach us;

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in

your heart to the Lord Eph 5:19

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in

psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Col 3:16

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the

deceitfulness of sin. Heb 3:13

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one

another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Heb 10:25

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We also desire to honor the scriptual direction for worship prescribed for us in 1Cor

14:26-40 which we would understand practically as follows;

The service is opened with spiritual hymns followed by psalms and prayer(s) (20-30mins)

Next it is opened for the sharing of doctrine, revelations (insights & testimonies) or

interpreted messages as the Holy Spirit leads (1 Cor 14:26-28) (30-40 mins)

The weeks portion of scripture is read by a reader(s). (1Tim 4:13 & Col 4:16)

(10-15mins)

If available two or three prophets are given space to encourage, exhort and edify the

congregation, if anything is revealed to another the speaker is to pause and allow that

word to come forth before continuing on. (1 Cor 14:31) (60-80mins)

The period of Prophesying (preaching) is then tested & commended on by the other

prophets (or) spiritual brothers. Concluded with a prayer, final hymn & benediction.

(15-20mins)

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We understand from scripture the men only are to do the speaking and teaching as instructed in

1 Cor. 14:34-35 - Those that do speak must do so in grace with genuine love and gentleness, also

everything that is taught must be able to be clearly validated from the scriptures (1Pet 4:11) or

that can be naturally concluded from it, unsound teaching of any kind is prohibited which

includes; dogmatic opinions, philosophies & traditions of men that are not after Christ. (Col 2:8)

and anything else that is contrary to new testament doctrine.

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Scriptural Basis of Order in Church Meetings

How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching,

has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If

anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret.

But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.

Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another

who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all

may be encouraged. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the

author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be

submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own

husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.

Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? If anyone

thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you

are the commandments of the Lord. But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.

Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Let all

things be done decently and in order. 1Cor 14:26-40

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Seating Arrangement

Due to the temptations that mixed seating may present, we encourage the practice of segregated

seating for our weekly worship services. Weddings and funerals may be considered exceptions

since these services usually involve families as a unit.

For insight into some of the early Christian meetings functioned see this article here

Our Meetings Together

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