What to Expect When You Visit
Looking for a church that truly follows the Bible? You’ve found it.
If you’re searching for a church home where God’s Word is the final authority, where worship is authentic and sincere, and where people genuinely care about your soul—you’re in the right place.
At the Temple Georgia Church of Christ, we invite you to experience the church as Jesus intended it.
We don’t follow man-made traditions or religious trends. Instead, we go back to the Bible, back to the beginning, and strive to be Christians only—just as Jesus intended when he established His Church.
A Church for All People
Jesus established His church for all mankind, and His invitation is open to every soul.
“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” — Matthew 16:18
Acts 2 details how the church began and also contains many facts related the the church.
Regardless of your background, past experiences, or current circumstances, you are welcome here.
Our aim is to be the kind of church you read about in the Bible—a loving family of believers devoted to serving God and one another in one mind, and one spirit.
We want you to know that you will be welcomed, not judged. Encouraged, not pressured.
“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;” ~1 Peter 5:2
We don’t focus on programs or entertainment-driven services. Our worship is based on sincerity, truth, and love.
a Warm Welcome
“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” ~Romans 15:7
When you walk through our doors, you won’t find people who claim to be perfect—you’ll find people who are striving to follow the perfect example of Jesus Christ.
Jesus welcomed sinners, outcasts, and those seeking truth and meaning with compassion and patience. He taught the truth boldly, but He did so with love—not condemnation. That’s the spirit we strive to carry in everything we do.
No matter your past or present, you are welcome here. You’ll be greeted with kindness, treated with respect, and encouraged to grow in your faith through the truth of God’s Word. We’re here to walk alongside you as we all strive to become more like Christ.
Simple Worship
Our services are reverent and straightforward, following the examples laid out in the New Testament (Acts 2:42). Our worship includes:
A cappella singing
We sing together without the use of lifeless instruments, just as the early church did.
“speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,” — Ephesians 5:19
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” — Colossians 3:16
Prayer
Offered to God with thanksgiving and reverence.
The Lord’s Supper
Observed every Sunday to remember the sacrifice of Christ.
“Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.” — Acts 20:7
Preaching
Bible-based lessons aimed at helping us grow in knowledge and godliness.
“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” — 2 Timothy 4:2
Giving
Visitors are not expected to give. Our greatest concern is your eternal soul—not your money.
Members contribute cheerfully and willingly to support the work of the church and the needy saints.
“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.” — 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
“distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” — Romans 12:13
Our Beliefs
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the sole authority for all we teach and practice.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” — 2 Timothy 3:16-17
We reject man-made creeds, denominational divisions, and religious innovations that aren’t found in Scripture. Instead, we are dedicated to restoring New Testament Christianity in our time—honoring the authority of Christ in all things.
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” — Colossians 3:17
Our mission is to:
- Preach the good news of Jesus Christ
- Help people come to know God through faithful obedience to His Word
- Equip each member to grow spiritually and serve faithfully
- Be a light in Temple, the West Georgia community and beyond
What You’ll Experience
We invite you to worship with us, but we understand that being in an unfamiliar place can be intimidating at times.
We want you to feel comfortable and welcomed at our congregation and we’ve provided the following information to help you understand what to expect when you visit Temple Church of Christ.
Background
The church that was established at Pentecost, in 33 A.D., just 50 days after Jesus ascended into heaven.
“Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” — Acts 1:9-12
Throughout the generations, man has altered virtually every aspect of Christs church, including its teachings, it’s worship and its practices.
Many churches today do not worship according to the instructions and patterns written in the New Testament.
Today, you will find many different religious organizations, each claiming to uphold Biblical teachings and practices, yet each teaching contrasting doctrines. This is confusing for anyone looking for a place to attend worship.
Our goal is to give scriptural evidence for our teaching and practices, that you might make a comparison between what the Bible teaches and what we practice.
Setting
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted with a smile. Feel free to sit anywhere, and introduce yourself to anyone you wish.
Assembly
Our worship is very simple, just as the worship of the early church. The church, it’s worship and its doctrine has always been simple.
“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 11:3
In our worship, families worship together rather than being divided into classes or groups. This best keeps in harmony with the pattern of the early church, and is in accordance with the teaching we find in 1 Corinthians 14:23, which describes “the whole church be come together in one place.”
“Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?” — 1 Corinthians 14:23
Singing
Our song service may seem different from what is customarily practiced in some modern churches.
All the singing will be “acapella,” which means there will be no use of man-made instruments. The word “acapella” comes from the Italian phrase alla capella, “in the manner of the chapel,” or “according to the chapel.”
In other words, acapella music follows the oldest church traditions of unaccompanied vocal music dating back to the very first churches in 33 A.D.
We look to Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 for the command to sing and make melody in your heart.
“speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,” — Ephesians 5:19
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” — Colossians 3:16
The New Testament makes no mention of instrumental music in worship. Because of this we feel it would be an addition to God’s will.
You will find a song book in the rack on the benches feel free to follow along when the song leader announces a page number, if you know the song feel free to sing along with the congregation.
Prayer
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” — Acts 2:42
“What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.” — 1 Corinthians 14:15
“pray without ceasing,” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17
There will be several prayers during the service. These will be led by a brother that has been selected.
Examples of prayers found in the New Testament are of praising God, for thanksgiving of blessing, interceding for others, and petition Him for our needs.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;” — Philippians 4:6
Jesus’ example of prayer Matthew 6:9-13.
“In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” — Matthew 6:9-13
Teaching
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” — Acts 2:42
“Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.” — Acts 20:7
The teaching will be done by a brother at the appointed time. You will notice he has no title or special religious garments to set him apart, as mentioned in Matthew 23:8-12.
“But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” — Matthew 23:8-12
You’ll also notice that women have no leadership roles in the service. This is not because we feel women are inferior, but because of God’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 14:35.
“And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.” — 1 Corinthians 14:35
The sermon will be based on sound doctrine, and designed to instruct or encourage in ways of righteousness. Our goal is to present sound Biblical teaching so that all can be edified (built up) by the Word of God.
Invitation
“So those who received His Word were baptized, and were added that day about three thousand souls.” — Acts 2:41
At the close of the sermon, an invitation will be offered. This is a convenient time when any number of desires can be expressed by members of the audience. There may be someone that wishes to obey the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8), maybe a member wishes to confess a sin (as the scriptures encourage in James 5:16), or request prayer for a specific need.
“and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” — 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8
“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” — James 5:16
We understand that this may be a time in which some feel uncomfortable, or pressured to publicly express their will to repent and commit their life to the Lord.
It is not our intention to cause discomfort or anxiety, but we do hope and encourage anyone to obey the gospel call when they fully understand that Jesus Christ paid for their sins and everyone must obey the gospel in order to become a Christian.
If you choose, you may step forward during the invitation song, and inform the speaker that you wish to obey the gospel, or that you ask for prayers from the congregation.
You will always be treated with love and respect, and will never be singled-out or embarrassed.
Communion
If you visit on Sunday morning, we will observe the Lord’s Supper or Communion, just as we understand it to have been done on the night our Lord introduced it to his disciples in Matthew 26:26-28, Luke 22:19-20.
“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” — Matthew 26:26-28
“And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.” — Luke 22:19-20
There is also something different you will notice here also. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 we have instructions on how to observe the Lords Supper.
“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” — 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Notice that in the instruction there is a single cup and a single loaf used. By that example we also use one cup of grape juice and one loaf of unleavened bread.
The brother attending the table will pray for The Father to bless the bread, break a piece from it, eat, and pass it on to the next person until all that wish to participate have “broken bread”.
Afterwards he will take the cup, pray for The Father to bless it, take a small drink and pass it to the next person until all that wish has drank from it.
By observing the Supper in this manner we have a common union or communion one with another. If you chose not to participate feel free to pass the plate or cup to the person next to you.
Contribution or Collection
We will never solicit money from anyone visiting our worship services. The focus of our service is to offer worship to God and to edify (build up) everyone present.
The Church is financed by the contribution of the members, and a collection is taken up only during the Lords Day (Sunday) morning worship service according to the teaching found in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 9:7.
“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.” — 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7
As a guest, you are not expected to participate in the contribution, but feel free if you wish to do so.
You will not find us soliciting money through special offerings or any other fund raising activities.
Everyone is welcome!
We hope that this bit of insight helps you understand more about our congregation in Temple, Georgia and that you also feel welcomed to join us in worship to God.
If for any reason you are not able to attend our gospel meeting, you are welcome to join us for worship every Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. EST.
“The churches of Christ salute you.” — Romans 16:16
Come and See
If you’re looking for a congregation that honors the Bible as God’s complete and final Word, and if you’re seeking a spiritual family that values truth, love, and holiness, we encourage you to visit us. Bring your Bible, bring your questions, and bring an open heart.
We are here to serve, study, worship, and grow together. Our prayer is that you will find in us a church that is faithful to Christ, welcoming to all and worshipping in spirit and in truth.
Come and see what New Testament Christianity looks like in practice.
We look forward to meeting you!