FAQs

Should we bring our children?

Few sounds are as pleasant as the sound of children in God’s house. If you have young ones you are always welcomed and encouraged to have them worship with you in the service. They are no disturbance to us, but a joy. For your own convenience and comfort there is a nursery located off the lobby.

I haven’t committed to being a Christian. Am I welcome?

Absolutely. The Church is a worshipping community, part of the body of Christ. What we are doing as his people is reverently approaching him in worship. At the same time, we are delighted to have those who do not know Christ come and visit with us. You will hear the wonderful words of life, and we hope it will help you to think carefully about ultimate issues.

What happens when I get there?

As you enter the door there is a welcome table with that Sunday’s bulletin. You will also find a brochure about our church and another about the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, as well as other literature and information. Feel free to take and browse through these items, as well as engage any of our members or regular visitors in conversation. Our worship begins at 9:30am, and we prepare our hearts for several minutes before hand as the piano plays.

How will I know when to stand and sit?

Our worship is traditional in nature, so you can easily see when to stand and sit simply by following the lead of the congregation. The pastor will usually say “please stand,” or “you may be seated.” The bulletin is also marked with a “ ∫ ” where the congregation is asked to stand during the service, if able.

Are there areas of service for me?

Yes. When folks join the church they take a new member’s class. They are encouraged to identify their gifts and employ them in the life of the Church. Ephesians 4:11, 12 talks about how Christ provides the ministers of the church to equip the saints for works of service in the church. There are many ways to use your gifts to serve the Lord!

How do I join?

If you’ve visited and have decided that you would like to join with us, please let Pastor Winder or a member of the session know. From time to time we have new member’s classes, or we may simply have a class together. The purpose of this class is to introduce you to every facet of our church’s faith and life, giving you an opportunity to know us better and ask questions along the way. Requirements for church membership are fairly simple, and yet important. You’ll be asked to meet with the session (board of elders). This isn’t an intimidating interview! But it is important that the session can know that you possess the knowledge requisite for active faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and rely for salvation on his merits alone.

I like the Westminster Confession of Faith, but I’m not sure I agree with every word of it. Would I be welcome as a member?

Certainly! It isn’t necessary that the members of the church adopt the Westminster Confession as their own. What is necessary is that one has a sincere profession of faith in Christ. When someone joins the church, here are the four things they need to agree with – the vows they will make before the congregation, answering in the affirmative these four questions:

1. Do you believe the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, to be the Word of God, and its doctrine of salvation to be the perfect and only true doctrine of salvation?
2. Do you confess that because of your sinfulness you abhor and humble yourself before God, and that you trust for salvation not in yourself but in Jesus Christ alone?
3. Do you acknowledge Jesus Christ as your sovereign Lord and do you promise, in reliance on the grace of God, to serve him with all that is in you, to forsake the world, to mortify your old nature, and to lead a godly life?
4. Do you agree to submit in the Lord to the government of this church and, in case you should be found delinquent in doctrine or life, to heed its discipline?

What do I do if I have questions?

Feel free to contact Pastor Winder by phone (901-853-5556) or e-mail (winder.1@opc.org) with any questions you have. Better yet, stop in for worship with us (9:30 Sunday mornings) and take advantage of opportunities for fellowship. We’d be happy to answer any of your questions.

Do I need to donate money?

When the offering plate is passed, don’t feel any pressure to put anything in it. We do teach the biblical principle of tithing for believers, as part of being good stewards of what God has given us.

If you are serving the Lord’s Supper when I visit, may I participate?

If you have made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and are a member in good standing of an evangelical, Bible believing church, and have a clear conscience before God, you are welcome to partake of the Lord’s Supper.

Do I need to bring anything?

You’ll probably want to bring your Bible! And if you forget that, we’ll have an extra copy on the welcome table. As the pastor preaches, you’re encouraged to turn to the passage he is preaching on, and other passages that he will cross-reference.

Is your church “dress code” formal or casual?

You’re welcome to “come as you are.” Our emphasis is much more on the condition of our hearts than the style of our clothes. Most folks come dressed neatly, which for some means suit and tie, and for others means a more casual approach.