Questions and answers
What happens in a service?
If you have never been to a church service, or not for a long time, here is exactly what to expect.
In short: singing, prayer, a message from the Bible, and time to talk over coffee afterwards. It lasts about ninety minutes. You can arrive, sit at the back, and leave again without anyone asking anything of you.
Before it starts
The doors open about twenty minutes early. Someone will be at the entrance to say hello and point you to a seat. There is no assigned seating, and no reason not to sit near the back if that is more comfortable for a first visit.
The service itself
It opens with singing, led by a small group of musicians. The words are projected so nobody needs to know them in advance. There is prayer, usually spoken by one person while everyone else listens.
The main part is a message from the Bible, usually thirty to forty minutes, working through a passage and what it means in ordinary life. If you would like to follow along, there are Bibles to borrow.
Afterwards
There is coffee at the back. If you would rather slip out, that is completely fine. If you would like to talk to someone, say so at the door and they will find the right person.
Where this comes from
The shape of the service follows the pattern described in the New Testament, where believers gathered to teach, pray, sing and eat together. See what we believe for the convictions behind it.
A Sunday morning service
Related questions
How long does a service last?
About ninety minutes. Roughly half of that is singing and prayer, and the rest is a message from the Bible. Afterwards there is coffee, and most people stay for twenty minutes or so to talk.
Do I have to join in with the singing?
No. Some people sing, some read the words, some sit and listen. Nobody is watching to check.
Will I be asked to speak or stand up?
No. Visitors are never singled out, asked to introduce themselves, or asked to pray aloud.