How do you have church?

[Esaias]

What is your church's "order of service" for the main assembly?

[Rudy]

Don't have one. Trying to move to Florida. Very difficult to move and find an assembly of like minded believers.

[shazeep]

ok wow--that church (oops--in the other thread) is just north of Naples, FL! Best of luck to you, in my prayers there.

[shazeep]

And i have a great testimony on my church's "order of service," Esaias--but it doesn't happen inside, usually; or remotely resemble the answer you are surely looking for...might even be a smelly alcoholic or whatever involved...lol.

[Esaias]

Evangelistic outreach is not an "order of service" but you knew that... right?

[shazeep]

hmm. i could not call what i had in mind "EO," as that would seem to necessarily include some proselytizing at the least, with some religious talk guaranteed--nothing wrong with that, per se, but i meant more like some hidden church of the holy cross type stuff, a more impromptu kind of "service" that just happens along kind of by itself, as God tosses it at you...the invitations are subtle, too; i missed several of the first few...and still turn one down now and then, to my later chagrin, lol--those always seem to come as tests, when it's easiest to justify passing.

[KeptByTheWord]

Every time believers and disciples of Christ meet together to worship the Lord, and to fellowship and encourage one another, the best way to begin such a gathering is with prayer, and then to allow the spirit of the Lord to lead as it will. Churches trying to follow a program and a set order most often do so at the expense of shutting out what the Spirit of the Lord would try to do.

[Lafon]

What is your church's "order of service" for the main assembly?

"The" church of which I am a part of (I'm referring to "the" church that is in my house, but also assembles at the house of some of the other members on occasion), endeavors to adhere, as closely as possible, to the "order of service" which Paul described in the words of I Corinthians 14:26-40. Although I am ther primary Teacher, everyone is encouraged to actively participate. That is to ssay, it not always a monologue, but often a dialogue, with the exchange of ideas, opinions, etc, even allowing for expressions of "revelations" by individuals as they believe the Spirit has given them, including "messages in tongues" and their interpretation. Above all, we strive to insure that all things being done will serve to edify, encourage, and exhort attendees to a greater performance in their efforts to work diligently in the harvest of souls!

"The" church of Jesus Christ exists, in my humble opinion, wherever "two or three" are assembled together in His name! What man call "A" church can be constituted of many members, perhaps even in the hundreds or thousands, but if they are not sanctioned "by His name," then those assembled are nothing more than a part of a social gathering, but such an assembly is NOT His church! Therefore it is of no significance to God what the "order of service" is.

[Esaias]

Every time believers and disciples of Christ meet together to worship the Lord, and to fellowship and encourage one another, the best way to begin such a gathering is with prayer, and then to allow the spirit of the Lord to lead as it will. Churches trying to follow a program and a set order most often do so at the expense of shutting out what the Spirit of the Lord would try to do.

What happens when nobody knows what to do? Also, how do people learn doctrine? While I certainly believe the Spirit must be in control of the assembly, does this not depend on the Spirit being in control of each person? And people are often at different points, so to say, of being controlled by the Spirit.

I used to think the ideal was for everyone to show up, start praying, and then whatever happens will happen. I have found in experience however that while sometimes that works, often it doesn't. Meetings someyimes limp along with everyone waiting on someone else to "do something". Also, according to scripture there must be a place for bible reading and apostolic teaching. The more I study scripture the more I realize there is a "divine order of worship". This is clear from Exodus, Hebrews, and Revelation, among others.

Heaven is in effect an ongoing eternal "service" of worship. The church joins that service-in-progress whenever it worships God corporately as a body. Seems to me our worship on earth ought therefore to fit in and mesh with the worship in heaven.

I notice there is no detailed "order of service" in the NT, however an order if service "general outline" can be discerned. Beginning with the premises that there is heavenly worship of God AND that the Tabernacle/Temple and its servuce was an earthly copy made according to the pattern (of the heavenly worship) we see the following:

1. A call or invitation to worship.
2. Sacrifices for sin.
3. Incense offering.
4. Voluntary offerings/personal offerings/vows etc.
Culminating in a meal (the offerors usually ate that which was offered except the whole burnt offerings).
At some point was the priestly blessing of the people. Psalms were sung throughout various points. Prayer came to be associated with the incense offering (the timing of incense was apparently reversed between the morning and evening sacrifices). Proclamation of God's word/law was involved as well (historical evidence indicates it may have been after the first round of sacrifices).

Revelation seems to portray the same elements, apparently in the same general order (still researching all this of course).

In application then it seems there are some basic elements to worship: sacrifice (recognizing Christ's sacrifice for us, our need for it, and God's provision of atonement for sin); prayer; psalms, hymns, spiritual songs (for teaching and admonition as well as praise and worship); proclamation of scripture and exposition of scripture, voluntary offerings (praises, prayers, revelations, tongues-interpretation of tongues, prophesying, teaching, etc etc); a meal (Lord's Supper/agape feast); and a blessing/benediction of some kind (either from the elders, the host, everyone, or some person designated to do so).

Since moving to a more Biblically structured approach to worship we have found ourselves blessed. There are things that ought to get done which might be left out that no longer get left out. People no longer remain spectators waiting for God to move on someone else. The concept of "voluntary offerings" in regard to praise, prayer etc has had an interesting by-product: people have a higher expectation that THEY will be used of the Spirit. The whole thing has helped us shift from a "we" centered approach to God (what is God going to do for us this meeting?) to a more God-centered approach (what offering do I bring the Lord today?).

We are still learning and growing. Like babies we trip and fall sometimes, but looking back I'd have to say our worship is more Biblical and apostolic now than it was in years past.

[mizpeh]

What happens when nobody knows what to do? Also, how do people learn doctrine? While I certainly believe the Spirit must be in control of the assembly, does this not depend on the Spirit being in control of each person? And people are often at different points, so to say, of being controlled by the Spirit.

I used to think the ideal was for everyone to show up, start praying, and then whatever happens will happen. I have found in experience however that while sometimes that works, often it doesn't. Meetings someyimes limp along with everyone waiting on someone else to "do something". Also, according to scripture there must be a place for bible reading and apostolic teaching. The more I study scripture the more I realize there is a "divine order of worship". This is clear from Exodus, Hebrews, and Revelation, among others.

Heaven is in effect an ongoing eternal "service" of worship. The church joins that service-in-progress whenever it worships God corporately as a body. Seems to me our worship on earth ought therefore to fit in and mesh with the worship in heaven.

I notice there is no detailed "order of service" in the NT, however an order if service "general outline" can be discerned. Beginning with the premises that there is heavenly worship of God AND that the Tabernacle/Temple and its servuce was an earthly copy made according to the pattern (of the heavenly worship) we see the following:

1. A call or invitation to worship.
2. Sacrifices for sin.
3. Incense offering.
4. Voluntary offerings/personal offerings/vows etc.
Culminating in a meal (the offerors usually ate that which was offered except the whole burnt offerings).
At some point was the priestly blessing of the people. Psalms were sung throughout various points. Prayer came to be associated with the incense offering (the timing of incense was apparently reversed between the morning and evening sacrifices). Proclamation of God's word/law was involved as well (historical evidence indicates it may have been after the first round of sacrifices).

Revelation seems to portray the same elements, apparently in the same general order (still researching all this of course).

In application then it seems there are some basic elements to worship: sacrifice (recognizing Christ's sacrifice for us, our need for it, and God's provision of atonement for sin); prayer; psalms, hymns, spiritual songs (for teaching and admonition as well as praise and worship); proclamation of scripture and exposition of scripture, voluntary offerings (praises, prayers, revelations, tongues-interpretation of tongues, prophesying, teaching, etc etc); a meal (Lord's Supper/agape feast); and a blessing/benediction of some kind (either from the elders, the host, everyone, or some person designated to do so).

Since moving to a more Biblically structured approach to worship we have found ourselves blessed. There are things that ought to get done which might be left out that no longer get left out. People no longer remain spectators waiting for God to move on someone else. The concept of "voluntary offerings" in regard to praise, prayer etc has had an interesting by-product: people have a higher expectation that THEY will be used of the Spirit. The whole thing has helped us shift from a "we" centered approach to God (what is God going to do for us this meeting?) to a more God-centered approach (what offering do I bring the Lord today?).

We are still learning and growing. Like babies we trip and fall sometimes, but looking back I'd have to say our worship is more Biblical and apostolic now than it was in years past.
:thumbsup

[Jovannab]

This is what I see as most effective,too! God is showing us as a body in O'Fallon MO that He is tired of spirit- filled believers putting on a form of godliness and denying the POWER thereof. Praise often feels like a game show. Worship is sometimes designed by leaders to elicit powerful emotions that feel good.

We can waste time drumming up emotion that pacifies us into doing nothing!

What is the purpose of "having service"? Do we understand the times we are in? Only the Spirit can lead us surely each time two or three come together to accomplish what is needed.

Teaching is separately needed! How do we get the Word back into ppl's hearts? Judgement turned around backward is so prevalent. We have to find new ways to take God's principles and good news of salvation to those who need it.

Personal testimony of how God has been so real in our lives may be the best weapon to overcome the strongholds we face. They also will generate true worship. When I see lives changing, it motivates me to make opportunities to rescue others.

Do we put too much emphasis on being used by God in gifts and ministry? So many who are powerfully used by God fall away. Does feeling God's presence or speaking under the anointing, being used in the gifts of the spirit indicate we are fulfilling God's purpose in our lives, or even saved?

[Abiding Now]

We go to church, sing some songs, receive the offering, and then the preacher screams at us for about an hour, then we all go home.































J/K!

:heeheehee

[Rudy]

We go to church, sing some songs, receive the offering, and then the preacher screams at us for about an hour, then we all go home.






























J/K!

:heeheehee

LOL

[KeptByTheWord]

This is what I see as most effective,too! God is showing us as a body in O'Fallon MO that He is tired of spirit- filled believers putting on a form of godliness and denying the POWER thereof. Praise often feels like a game show. Worship is sometimes designed by leaders to elicit powerful emotions that feel good.

We can waste time drumming up emotion that pacifies us into doing nothing!

What is the purpose of "having service"? Do we understand the times we are in? Only the Spirit can lead us surely each time two or three come together to accomplish what is needed.

Teaching is separately needed! How do we get the Word back into ppl's hearts? Judgement turned around backward is so prevalent. We have to find new ways to take God's principles and good news of salvation to those who need it.

Personal testimony of how God has been so real in our lives may be the best weapon to overcome the strongholds we face. They also will generate true worship. When I see lives changing, it motivates me to make opportunities to rescue others.

Do we put too much emphasis on being used by God in gifts and ministry? So many who are powerfully used by God fall away. Does feeling God's presence or speaking under the anointing, being used in the gifts of the spirit indicate we are fulfilling God's purpose in our lives, or even saved?

Is your group meeting in a home or a church? We have personally found that genuine fellowship, and worship are much easier to come by when like-minded believers meet in small groups, such as a home or other building to accommodate them. It has also been our experience that celebrating the Lord's Supper together each time we meet brings a sweet spirit to our meeting, as we never want to forget what the Lord did for us at Calvary with this simple reminder.

[Esaias]

shameless bump of my own thread... lol