…And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch (Acts 11:26)

Many here in Eastern Kentucky as well as all over the world are searching for a place to worship. However, most fear what they do not know. For many, it may be difficult to enter a building they are not accustomed to; one filled with individuals they have never met, or at the most they know very little about.

So, what kind of people are we? The members of the Prestonsburg church of Christ are people like any others; we are just ordinary people with ordinary jobs. Some of our members are elderly and some are young; some are retired, some are on social security, some may be farmers, teachers, secretaries, truck drivers, miners, homemakers, and some may have industrial jobs. Yet still, we are ordinary people.

What binds all these different types of people together? All are Christians. We are not merely Christians but a family of Christians with the same goals in mind; the goals of serving God and living eternally with Him. This in no way means we are perfect, rather we are simply striving to grow spiritually every day; becoming more of what God wants us to be, and growing closer to His Son, Jesus Christ.

Upon arriving to the building you will be greeted at the door, and several more times by each of our members. It is our goal to make sure each one feels welcomed and loved each time they visit with us. You will be given a pamphlet with information concerning our congregation and a visitors card so that we can keep a record of your visit. Before our Bible Study and Worship Assemblies members and visitors have an opportunity to greet and meet each other. We are a congregation that making everyone feel welcomed, one of our goals!

It is our goal to follow the New Testament pattern so that the acts of worship we do today are the same as the New Testament Church found in the Bible.

Scripture Reading & Prayer

Our worship service begins with two songs, followed by a prayer. The opening prayer directs our hearts and minds toward God making supplications on behalf of the needs that have been introduced that morning, as well as seeking His blessings upon our worship assembly. The opening prayer is followed by another song. At the conclusion of the third song there will be a scripture reading chosen by the speaker of the hour that has a connection with the lesson he has prepared.

Singing

You will discover our singing is without any musical or mechanical instruments. This type of singing is called a cappella. We do not have any praise teams, solos, or choirs. We simply follow the New Testament pattern found in Eph. 5:19 and Col. 3:16.

Preaching

Our preacher is not referred to as Father, Pastor or Reverend. Such titles as Father and Reverend are only designated to God. Our preacher is not lifted above any other member of our congregation whether it be by a title or in his dress attire.. The preacher will present a Bible based sermon of about 30-40 minutes making practical applications to our lives today.

The sermon is brought to a close by the minister extending the invitation which provides someone the opportunity to respond to the message. This is a time for those who wish to render obedience to Jesus Christ to respond or for someone who stands in need of prayer. During this time one comes to the front pew were they are received by either the minister or one of the elders to discuss their present needs. Many times it is during this time that one desires to obey the gospel of Jesus Christ. Once again continuing to follow the New Testament Pattern they will be asked to confess their belief of Jesus before the congregation (Mt. 10:32-33). Upon their confession they will proceed to be baptized for the remission of sins. Our building is equipped with a heated baptistry that is ready to meet the needs of those ready to respond at any time.

Communion or Lord's Supper

It is our goal to pattern ourselves after the New Testament church of the Bible, as previously mentioned. We take Communion or the Lord's Supper upon the first day of the week every week. The New Testament shows this pattern followed by the First Century church in such passages as Acts 20:7. The Lord's Supper is a memorial of the Lord's death and a proclamation of His return. It is a time of self-examination for the christian. The emblems used are those instituted by the Lord Himself. The bread represents His body and the fruit of the vine represents His blood (1 Cor. 11:23-26). Jesus instructed His Apostles as often as they ate the bread and drank the cup they did show the Lord's death until comes again. The how often in which they took the Lord's Supper is answered in Acts 20:7, upon the first day of the week.

Giving

Separate and set aside of communion but done during this time because of convenience we will take a few minutes to collect money from the members of the congregation to support the work of the church and upkeep of the building. Once again we simply desire to follow the pattern of the New Testament church in the First Century. We find that upon the first day of the week Christians simply give by what means in which they have been prospered (1 Cor. 16:1-2).

We understand that upon your visit you may have questions. Please know we welcome any question you may have concerning the Bible. Please feel free after the worship assembly has concluded to see the minister or one of the elders with your question.

Hear God's Word (Rom. 10:17)
Believe (Jn. 8:24)
Repent (Lk. 13:3,5)
Confess (Mt. 10:32)
Be Baptized (Acts 2:38)
Be Faithful (Rev. 2:10)