What to expect when you visit us
We would like to let you know what you can expect when you visit our building to worship with us. At 9:30 AM on Sundays we have Bible study. At this time we may have one or more classes to discuss the Bible and that are age appropriate for learning. Here you can expect open discussion as well as the opportunity to ask and to answer Bible questions. At 10:30 AM we ALL come together to partake of the worship service as we see commanded and demonstrated in the Bible. During our worship we are led in congregational singing without the use of mechanical instruments of music - this is called A Capella - "in the manner of the chapel" or "according to the chapel." We invite you to join in with us. This mode of singing is because God has authorized singing and singing alone for the worship of the New Testament church (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). Also you will observe we partake of the Lord’s Supper each and every first day of the week (Acts 20:7). We do not exclude anyone who wishes to partake of the communion, but understand the decision to take or not to take the Lord’s Supper is an individual matter (1 Cor. 11:28). This is something that Christian's are commanded to do and you are welcome to participate if you choose. We will also take up a collection as commanded on the first day of the week to continue the work of the church (1 Cor. 16:2). This is a commandment to Christian's and is for the member's of the Lord's church and you are not expected nor obligated to participate in this duty if you choose not to. You will also observe prayers being offered during the worship. We do not have set prayers, but men of the congregation will guide the congregation in prayer using words from their own heart. Part of the worship also includes a preacher or some other qualified man who will present a lesson from God’s Word, the Bible. At this time we encourage you to use your Bible (or a Bible in the pew) to follow along and to be sure what is said is from the Bible (Acts 17:11). At the end of the lesson an invitation will be given inviting any who desire to become a New Testament Christian by confessing Christ and being baptized (immersed) for the forgiveness of sins. At this time any member of the Lords church who may have a public sin which they need to confess can come forward also (James 5:16). After the worship service is over many will linger and take the time to socialize. We encourage you to remain as well so that we may get to know you. |
Who are the churches of Christ
We are one of many autonomous congregations of the Lord’s church who believe it is possible to have first century New Testament Christianity today We believe the following: • Jesus built ONE church - Matthew 16:18 • Jesus is the ONLY head of the church - Colossians 1:18, Ephesians 1:22-23 • The bible is our ONLY instruction - 1 Peter 4:11, Luke 21:33, Galatians 1:8 • Baptism is immersion in water and IS a requirement for salvation – Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21 • Only those who demonstrate their faith through obedience to the commands of God will enter heaven – Matthew 7:13-14, Matthew 7:21-23, John 14:15 Who are these people who meet there?
We are a family of God’s people who believe in restoring New Testament Christianity. The church of Christ is NOT a name, but a designation of who’s church it is. In Matthew 16:18 Jesus said, “I will build My church.” Note that he did not say churches, but “My church,” singular. As such, Jesus is the only head of the church as we read in Colossians 1:18, “He is the head of the body, the church” (cf. Eph. 1:22-23). Because of this we take the Bible as our ONLY instruction, “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11). Creeds, catechisms, and councils are the devising of men and are not of God (cf. Lk. 21:33; Gal. 1:8). Since we take only the Bible as our instruction, we believe that baptism is immersion in water and IS a requirement for salvation, as we read in Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21 and in other verses. Baptism puts one into Christ where they then contact the saving blood of Christ (Rom. 6:3-6). Since there is only one church and Jesus is the head of that one church, only those who demonstrate their faith through obedience to the commands of God will enter heaven (cf. Mt. 7:13-14; 7:21-23; Jn. 14:15). "A Brief History"
The Midway congregation of the Lord's church had it's beginning on October 7, 1964. Thirteen members met on September 7th in the home of Tom and Penny Miller to discuss this new beginning. Fruitville Road had five families leave their congregation, with the blessings of the congregation to start this work. They knew a church was needed in the Bradenton/Sarasota area. This small group of people acquired a building at the corner of Hernando and Tamiami Trail. Repairs were needed before worship could begin. Walls were knocked out, windows fixed, a pump repaired, and a much needed air conditioner installed. The members never failed to pay their $225 rent each month during this time. With faith and God's help the repairs were done, and the real work began. On October 7, 1964 the first service of the Midway church of Christ was held. Forty three people were at that first service, including, George & Ruth Hupp, Tom & Penny Miller, and Harian & Georgia Ellis. The contribution was $94.52, and just nineteen months later they were able to hire a full time minister, brother Tom Miller. In April of 1967, a ground breaking ceremony was held for a new building at the corner of Pearl St. and U.S. 41, our current location. The property and building were purchased with the sale of bonds. The cost of the property at that time was $25,000 and the proposed cost of the new building was $45,000. The completed building consisted of an auditorium to seat one hundred and forty five people, five classrooms, and a Minister's study. Additions have been made since than that include most recently, a fellowship room, new bathrooms, and a new Minister's study in 1985. Ministers who have served the Midway congregation have included, brothers, Tom Miller, Ron Joyce, James Huggins, Larry Adams, Burney Lee, Bud Bayless, Gene Stillwell, Michael Elledge, Gene Britton, and presently serving is brother Jack D. Pinckert Jr. |