Why Should We Go to Sunday Morning services? Do I need to be a christian to attend church?
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There are many good reasons for believers to get involved in a local church, as this video explains. However, what if you're not sure about Christianity? Are there still good reasons to go to church? Would a non-Christian even be welcomed at our church?
The answers are YES and YES! We welcome anyone curious about Jesus and Christianity to join us on Sunday morning or even in one of our Connect Groups! This gives us a chance to answer any questions you might have and to demonstrate for you what being a Christian means. More importantly, you will find a place where you are loved and told the truth about how much God loves you! |
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what should i wear to church and what should i bring?
You should dress however you are most comfortable. In Florida, this often means shorts and a t-shirt. However, if you like to dress up for church that's ok too. We have an excellent air conditioning system so you may want to bring a sweater or hoodie in case you get chilly. The bottom line is that you will not be judged on your appearance.
We encourage you to bring a Bible to church and maybe even a notebook so that you can get the most out of the learning experience. Many people use their smartphones or tablets to access a Bible - that is great! If you don't have a Bible and want one, we have Bibles you can have in a translation that is easy to understand.
Finally, we hope you will feel good about bringing your family and friends to Life Church too! We work hard at providing a great worship and learning experience for every age group!
We encourage you to bring a Bible to church and maybe even a notebook so that you can get the most out of the learning experience. Many people use their smartphones or tablets to access a Bible - that is great! If you don't have a Bible and want one, we have Bibles you can have in a translation that is easy to understand.
Finally, we hope you will feel good about bringing your family and friends to Life Church too! We work hard at providing a great worship and learning experience for every age group!
When is the main service, how long does it last, and what happens during a typical service?
Life Church's main worship services are every Sunday at 9 and 11:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary. We also provide children with their own worship experience during the adult service. Our services typically last around 70 minutes.
Our first service starts with worship. The Worship Team plays music and leads us in singing songs that reflect the goodness of our heavenly Father, the love of Jesus, and the work of the Holy Spirit. This is a time where people can connect with God and experience His presence. Then we typically make some announcements and take our offering. You can read more about why we take an offering below under "Why do people give money at church?". We may also take a few minutes to pray for a special need or acknowledge a special event, such as a new member joining the church. Finally, someone, typically Pastor Jeff, will share a message that is meant to encourage you in your relationship with Jesus. Sometimes we will end the service with a time for you to respond to what is being said, by coming up front for prayer. If you don't feel comfortable responding this way, it is ok to ask for prayer after the service as well.
Our second service starts with an opening song but then we go right into our learning time. We then have some kind of engaging illustration, drama, dance, or some other way of supporting the theme for the day. Our worship is along the same theme and gives you a chance to respond to what the Holy Spirit has spoken to you that day. Prayer Partners are available if you would like personal prayer and can be identified by special tags. Offerings can be given in a basket in the back of the sanctuary.
Our first service starts with worship. The Worship Team plays music and leads us in singing songs that reflect the goodness of our heavenly Father, the love of Jesus, and the work of the Holy Spirit. This is a time where people can connect with God and experience His presence. Then we typically make some announcements and take our offering. You can read more about why we take an offering below under "Why do people give money at church?". We may also take a few minutes to pray for a special need or acknowledge a special event, such as a new member joining the church. Finally, someone, typically Pastor Jeff, will share a message that is meant to encourage you in your relationship with Jesus. Sometimes we will end the service with a time for you to respond to what is being said, by coming up front for prayer. If you don't feel comfortable responding this way, it is ok to ask for prayer after the service as well.
Our second service starts with an opening song but then we go right into our learning time. We then have some kind of engaging illustration, drama, dance, or some other way of supporting the theme for the day. Our worship is along the same theme and gives you a chance to respond to what the Holy Spirit has spoken to you that day. Prayer Partners are available if you would like personal prayer and can be identified by special tags. Offerings can be given in a basket in the back of the sanctuary.
Do I have to stand during the music or sing along?
There is no rule that you have to stand or sing along during worship. We typically ask people to stand at the beginning because we find it helps them to engage in worship. Singing together is one way we respond to God together as a church family. However, if you are still not sure how to engage in worship, it is ok to observe what is happening. Our church's focus is on God during this time, so we won't even notice if you're standing or not.
If you have physical limitations that prevent you from standing then you are welcome to remain seated. You don't have to be standing or even singing to engage in worship.
If you have physical limitations that prevent you from standing then you are welcome to remain seated. You don't have to be standing or even singing to engage in worship.
why do people raise their hands, kneel down, and dance during the music?
Life Church may be more expressive in our worship than what you are use to. One of our values as a church is Vibrant Worship and we try to demonstrate that as we gather together on Sunday mornings. It may seem strange to find people dancing and raising their hands in church, but most people are perfectly comfortable with it in other settings like concerts or parties. At Life we believe that God should be celebrated and worshipped at least as much as we would celebrate another person's performance.
If you're not sure about joining in right away it is ok to just observe. We hope you will be inspired to respond to God in worship and maybe even try expressing yourself in a new way!
If you're not sure about joining in right away it is ok to just observe. We hope you will be inspired to respond to God in worship and maybe even try expressing yourself in a new way!
why do people give money at church and am I expected to donate?
The most important reason we give money is that God asks us too. It might seem strange that God would ask people for money. Why would God even need money? God doesn't ask us to give money for His sake, but for our sake and the sake of the work He is doing through the church. Giving God a portion of our income teaches us trust in God's provision, good stewardship, and generosity. God says that He will bless those who give cheerfully because they trust God and want to be a part of what He is doing.
On a more practical note, there are many good things that Life Church is doing for the people who come to our church, for our community in Titusville, and in world through missions. It takes money to do all these things. Everyone who gives becomes a part of what God is doing through Life Church. Together we can make an impact and help people to experience the love of God and the salvation that Jesus died to give them.
If you are a guest with us, we have no expectation that you will give during the offering time. However, if you decide to donate we want you to know that your gift is tax deductible and you will receive a giving statement every January for what you have given the previous year. This statement can be used when you file your taxes. We recommend that you consult your tax preparer for IRS rules and regulations.
On a more practical note, there are many good things that Life Church is doing for the people who come to our church, for our community in Titusville, and in world through missions. It takes money to do all these things. Everyone who gives becomes a part of what God is doing through Life Church. Together we can make an impact and help people to experience the love of God and the salvation that Jesus died to give them.
If you are a guest with us, we have no expectation that you will give during the offering time. However, if you decide to donate we want you to know that your gift is tax deductible and you will receive a giving statement every January for what you have given the previous year. This statement can be used when you file your taxes. We recommend that you consult your tax preparer for IRS rules and regulations.
what is acceptable church etiquette?
We don't have a list of rules at Life Church but there are a couple ways you can help us create an atmosphere everyone can enjoy. First, we ask that you turn off the ringer on your cell phone during the service. If you must answer a call, we ask that you excuse yourself to the foyer. Also, we ask that out of respect for whoever is speaking, that you not engage in conversation during the preaching time. Lastly, we ask that you be aware of the children in our fellowship and abstain from any language (such as cussing) that would not be appropriate for our kids to hear.
what is a small group and why should I join one?
Small groups meet in various times and locations. The purpose of these groups is to give you an opportunity to form lasting friendships with people who will accept you, encourage you, and disciple you. While our Sunday morning gatherings are important, there are some things you just can not do in 70 minutes once a week. Forming strong relationships is one of them. We encourage you to check out our Connect With Us page and choose a few groups to visit. If you need help finding a group you can always call the church office.
Why Do the leaders touch people and put oil on them when they pray for them?
,The practice of "laying on of hands" or touching people when we pray for them and "anointing" them with oil (putting a few drops of oil usually on their head or forehead) may seem strange to our culture, but it is a Biblical practice going back thousands of years.
Jesus often touched people when he healed them and the priests in the Old Testament would lay hands on the heads of the animals that people brought as a sacrifice. The "laying on of hands" symbolizes that something is being transferred to the one being touched. When we touch someone as we pray for them we are demonstrating that whatever they need from God (love, provision, healing, etc.) is being transferred to them in that moment.
The oil we anoint people with is a special blend of fragrant herbs and spices given to us in Scripture. The Oil symbolizes the work of the Holy Spirit in that person's life and that they belong to God.
Jesus often touched people when he healed them and the priests in the Old Testament would lay hands on the heads of the animals that people brought as a sacrifice. The "laying on of hands" symbolizes that something is being transferred to the one being touched. When we touch someone as we pray for them we are demonstrating that whatever they need from God (love, provision, healing, etc.) is being transferred to them in that moment.
The oil we anoint people with is a special blend of fragrant herbs and spices given to us in Scripture. The Oil symbolizes the work of the Holy Spirit in that person's life and that they belong to God.
What does "speaking in tongues" mean?
"Speaking in tongues" is a gift that the Holy Spirit gives to those who want it. It is a way of communicating with God when our mind doesn't know the words to pray. Sometimes someone will have a short message that they will give in a tongue language and then they or someone else will interpret what was said to the whole group. We know it sounds strange to hear someone speaking in tongues. While we don't want our guests to be uncomfortable, we also don't want to stop what the Holy Spirit is doing just because it sounds strange. We encourage you to ask questions about this unusual gift. Our pastoral staff would love to answer any questions you might have.
What is the leadership structure at Life church?
Life Church is led by Senior Pastor Jeff Pfingston and an executive team of leaders including the pastoral staff, elders, and deacons. There are also various ministry leaders who are responsible for a specific area of ministry at Life Church. At Life we believe that the gift of leadership was given to serve people. This means that you will not find anyone trying to dominate others or boss people around. The leaders of Life Church are unified around the vision of Life and here to help you discover the purpose God has for you.
What is the assembly of God and what does it mean to be pentecostal?
The Assembly of God [AG] is the group of churches that Life Church belongs to. It is like a denomination or network of churches that share the same core beliefs and practices. The AG belongs to the tradition of Pentecostalism that goes back to the Azusa Street Revival in the early 1900's in Los Angeles, California. From that revival several Pentecostal groups were born. Pentecostals believe in and practice all the gifts of the Holy Spirit and are known for being enthusiastic in the expression of their worship and faith.
For more information on the Assembly of God please visit ag.org
For more information on the Assembly of God please visit ag.org
What accommodations are made for people with disabilities?
Life Church works hard to accommodate the needs of those with disabilities. We provide ear pieces for the hearing impaired and are working on several more ways to bring us into full compliance with the ADA. Service Animals are always welcome.
