What to Expect
If you've not been to an Apostolic Christian church before, this information will be helpful.
Typical Sunday schedule:
Main Worship Service
9:20 - Many arrive before worship starts to allow time for fellowship
9:45 - 10:50 - Worship Service begins with acapella congregational singing in the sanctuary
Worship Service conducted in the sanctuary by a minister of the church.
Typical worship service: Scripture Reading, Hymn, Prayer, Scripture Reading, Sermon, Concluding thoughts by another minister, hymn, prayer by a brother of the church
Sunday School
9:50 - Sunday school begins with students in classrooms
10:00 - Sunday school comes together as whole group for a cappella singing and Bible lesson
10:15 - 10:50 - Sunday school classes dismiss by grade to classrooms for lessons
11:00-12:00 - Lunch provided by members of the congregation (all are welcome!) and fellowship time.
12:00-1:15 - Second worship service. All are welcome and encouraged to attend both worship services.
Church practices:
Although we are an Evangelical, Protestant church, several of our practices are not common among American churches today, namely…
- Head coverings for female members and converts - (I Corinthians 11)
- Greeting with a holy kiss for members of the church of the same gender - (2 Corinthians 13:12)
- Communion served only to members of the church at annual communion service
Church membership:
Individuals who desire to repent and trust Christ for salvation are encouraged to speak with a church minister or the elder. ‘Convert Class’ is a small group class for new believers, taught by the church ministers, with the intention to equip each new believer with an understanding of the basics of the Bible and following Christ.
The Bible instructs believers in Christ to be baptized. Individuals who desire baptism are encouraged to speak with each church minister about their conversion experience prior to baptism. Baptism services are held multiple times each year with a testimony service the evening prior. After baptism, individuals are considered members of the church. Taking Holy Communion and participation in decisions such as selection of Sunday School teachers and church officers are limited to church members. Church members are encouraged to marry within the denomination.
Inter-Denominational Relations:
Our congregation enjoys close relations with members of other congregations of our Apostolic Christian denomination. This is experienced in a variety of ways, including:
- Ministers from other congregations invited to preach and teach topical lessons
- Visitors from other congregations attend our worship services and church events
- Social events with members of other congregations, especially for Bible Class (high-school aged Sunday school) and Young Group (unmarried members and converts)
- Denomination-wide events including several conferences and youth camps
- Denomination-wide website/app - AC Central
- Denomination-wide newsletters - the Silver Lining periodical and email newsletters
