Because many people are curious when they visit a church for the first time, we have listed below what you will experience when you come worship at Northside.
SINGING
We worship God in song. And, we sing without instruments of music. This follows biblical teaching (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16), and the examples of the early church.
PRAYERS
Prayers will be offered throughout the service, to praise God, to thank Him for His blessings, and to request His care and healing power for us and for others who have need (Luke 11:1-4; James 5:16).
TEACHING
The teaching is designed to instruct and encourage us in the ways of righteousness. We have no creed but Christ, accept no book but the Bible, and wear no name but Christian. We believe that when we follow the Bible only, we will be Christians only. The preacher's lesson (sermon) usually lasts about 30 minutes; we think you will find it to be refreshingly Bible-centered. You may notice that the preacher has no title; he won't be referred to as Pastor or Reverend. This is because we believe in equal priesthood of all believers before God (Galatians 3:26-28; 1 Peter 2:5,9).
BECOMING A CHRISTIAN
At the close of the sermon, the preacher will extend an invitation to all who may wish to make a commitment to Jesus Christ, to request the prayers of the church, or to place membership in the congregation. One who believes in Christ (Hebrews 11:6), repents of his sins (Luke 13:3), confesses Christ (Romans 10:9) and is baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:26-27) becomes a Christian and is added to the church (Acts 2:47). The baptism is always by immersion (Acts 8:35-39; Romans 6:3-4) and is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
THE LORD'S SUPPER
The Lord's Supper is a memorial and proclamation of the death of Jesus Christ. It is observed just as it was the night of the Lord's betrayal. The men at the table will give thanks to God for the bread, which represents Jesus' body, and then pass it to the whole assembly until everyone has eaten (Acts 20:7). They will then give thanks for the fruit of the vine (the cup), which represents our Savior's blood, and pass it on to each Christian. This is done every first day of the week in accordance with the scriptures (1 Corinthians 11:23-29).
GIVING
The collection, or contribution, is taken during Sunday worship as each member gives to the Lord's work as he has been prospered (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). As our guest, you are not expected to make a contribution -- but you are welcome to do so if you choose.