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WorshipWorship is often free and unrestrained. The people are encouraged to sit, stand, sing, dance, lift their hands, wave flags, or fall on their knees, if they feel moved to. Worship can be vigorous and loud, or quiet and restrained. Songs and choruses by current songwriters are a regular feature. |
worship in an independent church |
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| There is usually a worship leader, who chooses the songs and leads the rest of the musicians and the congregation, helping them to draw closer to God. Worship is a very important part of the service, and may last for twenty minutes, or as much as an hour. The worship band may be one person on an acoustic guitar, or may be a whole group including bass and electric guitars, drums, flutes - indeed any instruments at all, sometimes including the use of rainmakers and bongo drums! | |
Holy SpiritAll three persons of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) are talked about a great deal, but there is a particular emphasis on the Holy Spirit and on letting him move and work in the lives of the congregation. We believe that once you have given your life to Christ, the Holy Spirit himself comes and lives within you to help and guide you. |
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The dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit |
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Members of the congregation may speak or sing in 'tongues' - a God-given language, which can be a way of expressing worship or prayer to God. On occasion, someone may go to the front and speak in a 'tongue', and then someone else in the congregation will give the 'interpretation', or meaning of the words. People may be invited forward for prayer for physical healing, or for God to help them in other ways.
TeachingEach church usually develops its own teaching programme. We might look at a theme (like 'love' or 'forgiveness') or perhaps study a book of the Bible over several weeks, or perhaps we would look at something that seems important that day. The Bible is believed literally. Some speakers like to use overhead projectors or videos as part of the talk, or dance or mime may be used to illustrate what is said. Others may chose to speak in a more formal way. No two services are ever the same. Some churches will have Bible study as a regular feature either on a Sunday, or another day of the week. Smaller groups often meet during the week; they may have Bible study as their main focus, or they may simply provide opportunities to meet others, to talk and to pray. 'Housegroups' such as these can be places to grow and deepen relationships with other people and with God. |
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