Church Service

A church service occurs when followers of Jesus gather for a more formal & structured gathering. There are 3 things that should occur in a service (but is not limited to this): Worship, Prayer & Speaking. Each of these in general should be done in a way that maximizes the potential participation of each person in the Church service. The following are some good Bible passages to read on church gatherings: Revelation 3:15-16, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Corinthians 14, 1 Timothy 2,3.

Worship

Worship can take place in many forms, but the main one in Church service is making music & singing to the Lord. There is no requirement for the style of music, if there should be instruments, or dancing or clapping. It should be influenced first by the direction of the Holy Spirit and second by people’s preferences. Worship in general should be carried out in a way that allows everyone to engage. Giving everyone the opportunity to sing vs having one person singing and the rest listening is an example of maximizing the potential of participation (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 14:15, Psalm 150:1-6, 1 Chronicles 15:16). 

Prayer

Prayer is the act of talking & listening to God. There is not a set way for how prayer is supposed to happen in a Church service. It could look like praying in groups or all at once, out loud or a time of listening. It is important to make sure again that the potential for people to participate is maximized. Having 1 person pray and others listen is not a maximized use of the body of Christ. The Church should be devoted to prayer and as such a service should contain a significant time of the Church being in prayer. This should ultimately be led by the Holy Spirit first and then people’s preferences second (Acts 1:14, 2:42, Matthew 21:13, Colossians 4:2, Romans 12:12). 

Speaking

Speaking generally refers to one person teaching the rest of the Church, but from a biblical perspective it shouldn’t be just this. One particular area is involving those not in a leadership role to speak during a service. It is suggested that this time could involve prophesying, speaking in tongues (if there is someone to interpret), giving insights, listening or encouragement. Not necessarily just teaching from one individual. This all should be weighed by the church and discerned as a body. This time should be influenced first by the Holy Spirit and secondly by what people think would be good (1 Corinthians 14, Ephesians 4:15-16, 1 Thessalonians 5:21). 

Teaching on the Bible

The Bible is the written word of God and useful for growing in faith & knowledge of God & His kingdom. The Bible is inspired writings as directed by the Holy Spirit. However, it is not always immediately clear what point the text is trying to make. This requires interpreting what the text is trying to say with the help of the Holy Spirit. The following are some of points for teaching the Bible in a church service:

  • Taught with authority (Matthew 7:29, Mark 1:21–22)

  • Taught by a male person (1 Timothy 2:11-15, 1 Corinthians 14:34-35)

  • Taught with purpose of equipping the saints (Ephesians 4:11-13)

  • Taught by someone who is keeping in general the commands of Christ (1 Timothy 4:16, James 3:1)

  • Taught with the goal of having good teaching on godliness (Titus 1:8-9, Titus 2:1)

  • Be accepted or rejected based on 2 or 3 other people (1 Corinthians 14:29, 2 Corinthians 13:1)