OAK GROVE CHURCH OF CHRIST

WHAT TO EXPECT

 

We are a non-denominational church seeking to restore the New Testament church of our Lord by following only Scripture. Churches of Christ do not have an earthly headquarters and our congregation is self-governing in its practice and teaching.  The elders, who are selected by the local congregation, serve as the governing body.  Serving under and assisting the elders are the deacons and the ministers.  Presently, Ritchie Dickey, Mike Stone, William Zarkadas serve as elders.   Eric Harris, Butch Durrence, Mark Bennett, Greg Fabian, Joey Mingledorff and Sean Kiser serve as deacons. Don Davis has been our minister since 2003 and Clay Johnson has been our family life minister since 2018

 

Going to a church for the first time can make you a little nervous.  You're not sure what's going to take place or what may be expected of you.  Our desire is to set your heart at ease about what you can expect as you visit our congregation. Our services consist of singing, prayers, the Lord's Supper, preaching and an offering. An adult supervised  Nursery and Children's Church (ages 3-10) are available for small children.  If visitors are believers in Christ and desire to partake of the Lord's Supper, they are welcome to do so.  We do not expect visitors to give an offering to the church.  If they wish to contribute an offering to the church, they can be sure it will be used for God's work..

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Congregation

What kind of music is used in the worship service?

A cappella singing is the only music used in the worship.  This singing, unaccompanied by mechanical instruments of music, conforms to the music used in the apostolic church and for several centuries thereafter.  We feel there is no authority for engaging in acts of worship not found in the New Testament.  This principle eliminates the use of instrumental music, along with the use of candles, incense and other similar elements.

What does the Church believe about the Bible?

The sixty-six books which make up the Bible are considered to have been divinely inspired, which means they are infallible and authoritative.  Reference to the scriptures is made in settling every religious question.  A pronouncement from the scripture is considered the final word.  The basic textbook of the church and the basis for all preaching is the bible.

Why does the Church of Christ baptize only by immersion?

Immersion is practiced because it was the practice of the church in apostolic times.  Immersion conforms to the description of baptisms as given by the apostle Paul in Romans 6:3-5, where he speaks of it as a burial and resurrection.


How often is the Lord's Supper served?

Members of the church assemble for worship on each Lord's Day.  A central part of the worship is the Lord's Supper.   If visitors are believers in Christ and desire to partake of the Lord's Supper, they are welcome to do so.


By what means does the church secure financial support?

Each first day of the week the members of the church, "lay by in store as they have been prospered" (1 Corinthians 16:2).  This free-will offering is the only call for financial support the church makes.


How is the Church governed?

We currently have three elders and six deacons who were selected by the congregation on the basis of qualifications set down in the scriptures. The elders are shepherds,or overseers, who serve under the headship of Christ according to the New Testament, which is a kind of constitution.  There is no earthly authority superior to the elders of the congregation. Serving under and assisting the elders, are the deacons and our minister and family life minister.