Every meeting usually follows some strict orders and this is not different in churches. However, while secular meetings follow the rules very strictly, it is not usually so in the church because the Holy Spirit is also allowed to lead the service. From the opening prayer to the benediction, the items between them are introduced so that the congregation can be blessed. Most Christian churches in Las Vegas follow the same order as discussed here.
The first thing you should expect is an opening prayer. In some churches, this comes after the procession made by the priests, the moderators for each meeting, the people's warden, the pastor's warden, and the preachers for the day. The cross is usually carried during the procession signifying that the gathering is for Jesus Christ who is unarguably the owner of the church that has gathered.
When the procession is over, the Bible readers are called upon to read some passages in the Bible. The passages they read must have been given to them by the church earlier. Lessons are read from both the old and New Testaments. The readers do not try to interpret what the passage says because this is not the time for preaching. Sometimes, to make it clear, the priest comes up later to preach using those passages that were first read as his texts or references.
The band is asked to take the stage after the lessons are read. They start with praises and worship to make the minds of the congregation ready for God. Sometimes, they are careful to sing songs that reflect any special occasion that the church may have. Nevertheless, not all the songs are followed strictly. The Holy Spirit is allowed to take over so that the spiritual needs of those in the church can be met.
The sermon is prepared by the priest or any other person he considers sound for the task. Normally, it takes at least 30 minutes so it usually lasts longer than any other item on the order of service. Apart from the passages from the lessons which the preacher may use, he also refers to many others which he also tries to expose. This is why people going to the churches usually have their writing materials apart from the Bible.
The offerings are collected after the message. Offering time is regulated by the band whose job it is to spur the congregation to give. People are allowed to dance all the way to the altar where the offering box may be placed. Several offerings are collected and the members are expected to give according to how the Lord has blessed them.
Announcements are given thereafter. During the announcements, the priest or moderator recognizes those who are worshipping with the church for the first time. A special welcome song is rendered and the newcomers are asked to meet the follow-up or welfare coordinator for further briefing.
The last thing that happens is the recession. The church recesses just the same way it was processed. A hymn which is quite popular is taken but there is usually a hymn book for those who cannot sing it by heart. At the end of the recession, the priest gives his final blessing for the week and the congregation is set to disperse to their different homes. Various cell meetings may hold for few minutes just to remind their members of what may be coming up soon.
The first thing you should expect is an opening prayer. In some churches, this comes after the procession made by the priests, the moderators for each meeting, the people's warden, the pastor's warden, and the preachers for the day. The cross is usually carried during the procession signifying that the gathering is for Jesus Christ who is unarguably the owner of the church that has gathered.
When the procession is over, the Bible readers are called upon to read some passages in the Bible. The passages they read must have been given to them by the church earlier. Lessons are read from both the old and New Testaments. The readers do not try to interpret what the passage says because this is not the time for preaching. Sometimes, to make it clear, the priest comes up later to preach using those passages that were first read as his texts or references.
The band is asked to take the stage after the lessons are read. They start with praises and worship to make the minds of the congregation ready for God. Sometimes, they are careful to sing songs that reflect any special occasion that the church may have. Nevertheless, not all the songs are followed strictly. The Holy Spirit is allowed to take over so that the spiritual needs of those in the church can be met.
The sermon is prepared by the priest or any other person he considers sound for the task. Normally, it takes at least 30 minutes so it usually lasts longer than any other item on the order of service. Apart from the passages from the lessons which the preacher may use, he also refers to many others which he also tries to expose. This is why people going to the churches usually have their writing materials apart from the Bible.
The offerings are collected after the message. Offering time is regulated by the band whose job it is to spur the congregation to give. People are allowed to dance all the way to the altar where the offering box may be placed. Several offerings are collected and the members are expected to give according to how the Lord has blessed them.
Announcements are given thereafter. During the announcements, the priest or moderator recognizes those who are worshipping with the church for the first time. A special welcome song is rendered and the newcomers are asked to meet the follow-up or welfare coordinator for further briefing.
The last thing that happens is the recession. The church recesses just the same way it was processed. A hymn which is quite popular is taken but there is usually a hymn book for those who cannot sing it by heart. At the end of the recession, the priest gives his final blessing for the week and the congregation is set to disperse to their different homes. Various cell meetings may hold for few minutes just to remind their members of what may be coming up soon.
About the Author:
You can get fantastic tips on how to choose a church and more information about great Christian churches in Las Vegas at http://www.oasischristianchurch.com/who-we-are now.