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 item usually on the list is an opening prayer. Some churches, however, start with a processional hymn which may also be a kind of prayer asking God to come and take control. The people who stand in the procession include the priest and his warden, the people's warden, the choir and everyone that the Lord will use to bless the church.
By the end of the procession, the Bible is read from the old and New Testaments by those who have been told earlier about the portions they are going to read. The church does not expect any kind of interpretation now until the priest comes up later to preach. In addition to whatever passages the priest may use as his texts during the sermon, he may also include the passages that were read earlier in the lessons.
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 message comes from the priest or anyone he approved before the service. This can take 30 minutes and above because it is perceived to be the most important moment in every church meeting. Different Bible passages are read so members are advised to come with writing materials. An altar call is usually made at the end of the message.
There is a call for offerings after the message by asking the band to lead again in some choruses. This time, the people happen to be merrier as they dance up to the altar to give their offerings. Some of the offerings given include thanksgiving offering, the seed of faith, tithes, and welfare. Each one is usually collected differently.
Announcements come almost at the end of the service. This is also the time when the church would want to know the people that are coming around for the first time. The first timers are welcomed with a song and they are led to see a follow-up coordinator or the welfare coordinator.
After everything, the recession comes last. Just like the procession, a recessional hymn is taken. The members of the church may know the hymn if it is a popular one but in case it isn't, they will be told where to find it in the hymn book the church uses. The priest then releases his last blessing after which the members begin to disperse if they have no other meeting or business to attend to.
The first item usually on the list is an opening prayer. Some churches, however, start with a processional hymn which may also be a kind of prayer asking God to come and take control. The people who stand in the procession include the priest and his warden, the people's warden, the choir and everyone that the Lord will use to bless the church.
By the end of the procession, the Bible is read from the old and New Testaments by those who have been told earlier about the portions they are going to read. The church does not expect any kind of interpretation now until the priest comes up later to preach. In addition to whatever passages the priest may use as his texts during the sermon, he may also include the passages that were read earlier in the lessons.
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 message comes from the priest or anyone he approved before the service. This can take 30 minutes and above because it is perceived to be the most important moment in every church meeting. Different Bible passages are read so members are advised to come with writing materials. An altar call is usually made at the end of the message.
There is a call for offerings after the message by asking the band to lead again in some choruses. This time, the people happen to be merrier as they dance up to the altar to give their offerings. Some of the offerings given include thanksgiving offering, the seed of faith, tithes, and welfare. Each one is usually collected differently.
Announcements come almost at the end of the service. This is also the time when the church would want to know the people that are coming around for the first time. The first timers are welcomed with a song and they are led to see a follow-up coordinator or the welfare coordinator.
After everything, the recession comes last. Just like the procession, a recessional hymn is taken. The members of the church may know the hymn if it is a popular one but in case it isn't, they will be told where to find it in the hymn book the church uses. The priest then releases his last blessing after which the members begin to disperse if they have no other meeting or business to attend to.
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