What to expect on a Sunday…
What does it look like to go to church at PCC?
To begin, rather than calling our time of worshiping God “going to church” we seek to gather together in authentic real relationships to worship, grow, and serve as the church. In a house church, you get to know and become friends and family as the body of Christ. You can share fears, praises, and prayers with everyone.
What does this gathering of friends in Christ look like? Rather than be constricted by programs or a tied down by a strict schedule, we seek to be led by the Holy Spirit. We do have a few activities we make sure to include in each gathering such as a sharing a meal, taking communion, lots of prayer, and reading the Word. Worship is also flooded throughout all we do, however this may or may not include actual music. The Spirit is thus able to lead our time on His schedule and can look very different week to week.
Who preaches the sermon?
In a house church, we do not have a traditional sermon with a preacher speaking from a stage while the audience sits quietly taking notes. Sermons can be a great way to learn deep, new ideas, and public preaching is seen from time to time in the New Testament. However, at PCC we desire less of a sermon and more time in study, discussion, meditation, asking questions, and application of the Word. While someone may be asked to lead the study of the Bible for the day, we love for everyone to participate in their own way. Questions are welcome, thoughts are appreciated, and participation of everyone is desired (1 Cor. 14:26).
What about kids?
Since we do not normally have a traditional 30 to 40 minute sermon primarily aimed at adults, we desire our kids of from all ages to join in all aspects of worship. From the meal, to sharing a song or poem, to asking questions in a time of study, kids can both learn and participate in amazing ways. As in Mark 10:13-16, Jesus took time to love and relate to children because the kingdom of God belongs to those who have the faith of a child. It is important to learn from children who believe in Jesus without need for physical proof, logical arguments, or Scriptural evidence.
For those with infants or who would rather have a more child aimed environment, a children’s ministry can be available. We encourage all members who are appropriately able to lead the kids to take turns within the children’s ministry as we make up the family of God together.
Do you really eat a meal every week?
What the Bible calls breaking bread, or sharing a meal together as believers, is one of the greatest ways to build relationships which lead to more comfortability to be yourself in worship. When you know who is with you personally, know their pains and joys, you can pray with and for them in deeper ways than ever before. Breaking bread is also the place where Jesus taught his apostles to remember Him, which we call Communion or the Lord’s Supper. Thus when we eat together as believers we are celebrating and called to remember His body and blood.
How can you worship without a worship team?
Worship is one of the most amazing aspects of being a follower of Christ. While worship certainly can and should consist of singing songs (Psalm 68:4), the Bible gives countless ways we can worship, like submitting to God (Psalm 95:6-7), telling of His goodness (Psalm 34:1), thanking Him for help in life (Psalm 68:19), sharing the Gospel (Matthew 5:15-16), and even accepting each other (Romans 15:7) among other ways.
In light of all types of worship, we seek to worship God however the Holy Spirit leads us each week. If the Spirit lays a song on someone’s heart, we can sing it. If God gives someone a poem, they can read it. We worship through our prayers, or time in the Word, our fellowship, and in Communion. All we do should be worship, as 1 Corinthians 10:31b says, “whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
How does it look to meet for worship in a home?
Without a professional preacher, worship team, or a stage, the seats are not limited to facing one direction. To encourage communal participation in studying God’s Word, rather than answering questions to a single person, the couches and chairs and set to see and interact with each other. This seating arrangement feeds into all the aspects of worship we desire as The Church and not just another Sunday going to church. Similarly, the meal is designed to be in the same room and same table as much as possible. During Communion we long for worship as the family of God.