About Us
WHO ARE WE?
Members of the West Highway 160 church of Christ are simply Christians...we are not a denomination or even non-denominational. We're just "Christians". It is our goal to always please God, and we believe that the best way to do this is to follow the pattern established by the church of Christ in the 1st century, revealed in the New Testament.
We have no creed or doctrine other than God's Holy Word in the Bible, and we desire to follow it book, chapter and verse...without adding to it or taking away from it (Revelation 22: 18, 19). It is God's will that we strive for unity in our teachings of New Testament doctrine.
Our congregation is not part of or subject to any larger man-made religious organization. We do not elect a president or directors. Jesus Christ is the only head of the church. We are to be a completely autonomous congregation, governed locally by elders (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1) just as the church in the first century was.
What To Expect
We hold the Bible to be God’s word, the only source of our faith and practice. Our objective is to “restore” the New Testament church in our time – to determine from the Bible what the church was like in the beginning, and to be like that.
THE SETTING
You will find our church facility simple and functional: not “high church,” but more of a family gathering. You will be made very welcome, and may feel free to sit where and with whomever you please. Be sure and let us know if you need help finding the nursery, classes, etc.
SINGING
We do not have choirs, organs or bands, just the unmatched melody of the human voice. Our music, you see is “a capella,” that is, voices without accompaniment. It is also congregational; everyone participates fully as we worship the Lord. There are hymnals in the pews, and sometimes we will use a large projector to list the words to our worship songs. Our music is a conviction with us, not merely a preference. We interpret the New Testament verse “making melody with your heart to the Lord,” (Ephesians 5:19), to be a mandate from God to use our voices in singing praises to His Name; adding instruments may detract from that simple musical expression. We believe you will find this to be an exhilarating and uplifting experience.
PRAYER
There will be several prayers during the assembly, including prayers for specific needs and requests (I Timothy 1:1, 2).
PREACHING
You will notice the absence of titles such as Pastor or Reverend. The preacher of the gospel message is simply called by his given name. You will also notice the absence of special clothing or robes to set the preacher apart. The reason is that the scriptures teach the priesthood of all believers (l Peter 2:5, 9); there is no “clergy/laity” distinction in the New Testament. The sermon will likely be from 30 to 40 minutes. We think you will find it refreshingly Bible-centered (2 Timothy 4: 1-5).
THE INVITATION
At the close of the sermon an invitation will be offered, allowing those who wish to do so an expedient opportunity to respond to the message preached. Those who respond do so by moving to the front of the auditorium as the congregation sings a hymn. Please don't feel ill-at-ease during the invitation. You will not be singled out or embarrassed in any way. There may be several who respond, maybe none. The ministers of our congregation wait down front to receive those who come forward. Some may respond to be baptized; some to confess sins and to request prayers for strength; some to ask for prayers for a specific need; some to request prayers for victories the Lord has granted. Others, new to the area, may wish to identify themselves as a believer who wishes to labor with that particular congregation. Our elders will pray for you and with you whatever your need. Those who respond for baptism will normally be baptized during the assembly. The baptism will be by immersion (Colossians 2: 12), and will be for the remission of sins (Acts 2: 38).
THE LORD'S SUPPER
Churches of Christ observe this memorial every Lord’s Day, and visiting on a Sunday morning you will find this to be a central feature of our worship. Once again, the reason for our practice is a desire to follow New Testament teaching. The first century church celebrated this observance on the first day of the week (Acts 20: 7). History also testifies that in early centuries the Lord’s Supper was an every-Sunday commemoration. During this memorial, the congregation partakes of unleavened bread and grape juice. This is done in keeping with New Testament teaching, reminding us of the body and blood of The Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1: 23-25).
THE OFFERING
In keeping with the New Testament, we give as we have prospered on the first day of every week (1 Corinthians 16: 1-2). Therefore, on Sunday mornings, a container is available In which an offering may be placed. As our guest, you are not expected to contribute.
WHAT WILL BE EXPECTED OF YOU?
Nothing, except to be able to worship our God in the wonderful and uplifting way that He designed! You are welcome to participate or merely observe. One thing we would welcome is your questions – on any subject pertaining to our worship and practice. You may be asked to provide your address as we are a card sending congregation. This simply provides information, allowing the church to follow up by thanking you for your visit. Supply the information if you are comfortable doing so, but feel free to decline if you prefer.
THE PEOPLE
We’re a diverse group, coming from varied backgrounds, and at different stages of knowledge and spiritual growth. We do have a mutual commitment however: to practice the truth found in Scripture. You see, our bond is not an illusion of perfection, but rather a recognition that we are sinners in need of the cleansing blood of Jesus (Romans 6: 6-9).
CLASSES FOR CHILDREN
Classes are available for children from cradle roll through teens each Sunday evening and Wednesday evenings, except for the last Sunday of the month.
CLASSES FOR ADULTS
Adult classes are available each Sunday evening and Wednesday evening.
Service Times
Sunday Morning 10 a.m.
Sunday Night 6 p.m. (Bible Study)
Wednesday Night 7 p.m. (Bible Study)
Check out these great sites to help further your study in God’s word: