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Church of the New Covenant

Simple worship services centered on the elements that the New Testament explicitly mentions as necessary and desirable for the gathering of New Covenant believers: worship, Scripture, teaching, mutual edification, prayer, communion, baptism, and proclamation of the Gospel.

MORNING SERVICE

1. Doxology & Call to Worship

  • Congregational Praise: The congregation stands and sings the Doxology, giving praise to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
  • Call to Worship: The congregation is reminded of Christ’s presence by an elder who calls out, “In whose name do we gather?” The congregation responds, “Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, the Son of God.”

2. Songs of Praise

  • Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs based upon Scripture.
  • Individual psalm singing.
  • Congregational singing.
  • Thanksgiving and praise to God.

3. Reading of Scripture & Expository Message

  • Morning Gathering Reading: Read one of the Four Gospels or the Book of Acts.
  • Annual Reading: Read the Book of Revelation.
  • Additional Readings: Selected portions from the Law, Prophets, and Psalms throughout the year.
  • Expository Message: The pastor or an elder gives a 15-minute message to emphasize selected teachings from the text of the weekly reading.

4. Corporate Prayer
The congregation joins in focused prayer for:

  • Thanksgiving and confession of sin.
  • Intercession for believers and those in need.
  • The spread of the gospel.
  • Governing authorities.

5. Preparation for Communion

  • Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:9–11: “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow … and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord”
  • Self-Examination: An elder calls out, “To whom do we bow?” The congregation responds,”To Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, who gave his life that we may have eternal life in him.” Members physically kneel for a period of silent self-examination to recall unconfessed personal sin, followed by repentance and thanksgiving for forgiveness of sin by God.
  • Recitation: Congregation recites The Lord’s Prayer.

6. The Lord’s Supper
The bread and cup are distributed. An elder leads the congregation to focus on:

  • Christ’s death for our sins and His resurrection.
  • The New Covenant established through His blood.
  • His promised return, reading 1 Corinthians 11:26 (“…you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes”), emphasizing proclamation (katangellō).
  • Congregation says, “Come, Lord Jesus.”

7. Benediction & Voluntary Dismissal

  • Closing Prayer: Scripture prompts given by an elder. Heads are bowed to ask for grace to walk in obedience and love.
  • Tithe and Offerings: The congregation departs in peace to serve the Lord. Worshipers wishing to give financially may place their voluntary offerings in the collection box located in the church lobby.

(Worship continues in the Evening Service)

EVENING SERVICE

1. Doxology & Call to Worship

  • Congregational Praise: The congregation stands and sings the Doxology.
  • Call to Worship: An elder asks, “In whose name do we gather?”
  • Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:20, reminding the flock of Christ’s presence.

2. Songs of Praise

  • Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
  • Individual and congregational singing.

3. Reading of Scripture

  • Evening Gathering Reading: One of the New Testament Epistles (or all by one author if short).
  • Additional Readings: Law, Prophets, and Psalms throughout the year.

4. Teaching and Exhortation

  • Elders answer questions from the congregation concerning Scripture and following Christ to provide instruction, exhortation, correction, and encouragement.

5. Testimonies

  • Members briefly share answered prayers, blessings, and words of encouragement. Testimonies emphasize what Christ has done rather than human works.

6. Corporate Prayer

  • Gathering for thanksgiving, confession, intercession, and the global spread of the gospel.

7. Ordinance of Believer’s Baptism (As Needed)

  • Administration: When candidates are present for baptism, this ordinance is administered following the reading of Scripture, symbolizing the believer’s death, burial, and resurrection with Christ.
  • Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:19 or Romans 6:3–4.

8. Benediction

  • Scripture Reading: John 14:15.
  • Closing Prayer: Bowing for grace to love one another and walk in obedience.
  • Priestly Blessing: An elder ends the service by saying aloud, “May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace, Amen” (Numbers 6:22-27).
  • Offerings: Worshipers depart in peace, with a collection box available in the lobby for voluntary giving.

MID-WEEK ACTIVITIES

  • Prayer Groups
  • Study Groups
  • Outreach Groups

CHURCH GOVERNANCE & STEWARDSHIP

The Church of the New Covenant is governed under the headship of Jesus Christ. The congregation selects qualified (men only) pastors, elders, and deacons based on biblical standards.

  • Pastors and Elders: Responsible for spiritual oversight, prayer, teaching, counseling, and shepherding. Occasional sermons regarding the biblical theology of stewardship and giving will be provided by the eldership.
  • Deacons: Oversee practical and administrative ministries, including facilities, material needs, and the management of the voluntary boxes in the lobby. This allows the elders to remain devoted to the Word and prayer.
  • Congregational Consent: Major decisions are made with the participation and consent of the members.
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