HTC believes that a worshipping church is a serving church. It is a common misconception that we go church on Sundays just to worship the Lord. While that is true, it is, perhaps, partial at best. While worship is partly spoken, it is also doing. Speaking and doing are always done in light of the person of Jesus Christ. There is no message and no effective service without Christ himself at the center. David Peterson in his book Engaging with God wisely points out:
"Church meetings should not be regarded simply as a means to an end-- a preparation for worship and witness in everyday life-- but as the 'focus-point of that whole wider worship which is the continually repeated self-surrender of the Christian in obedience of life.... Ministry exercised for the building up of the body of Christ is a significant way of worshipping and glorifying God" (p. 220).
Our church services "happen" because people are willing to work so that the message of Jesus goes out and people are built up in the Gospel. This kind of service is a presentation of our bodies to Christ as living sacrifies; it is our spiritual worship (Romans 12:1).
There are many ways to serve on a Sunday.
- Stewarding: involves the set-up and tear down of chairs, equipment, passing out any literature to incoming congregants.
- Communion: providing the elements for the Lord's table, filling trays, setting and cleaning up once a month.
- Hospitality: greeting, facilitating a welcome table, connecting guests to others in the church, setting up food, being a class facilitator, leading other church goers to lunches or dinners.
- Congregational Prayer: this is open for all members in good standing. A coordinator maintains this schedule and calls people to fill the rotation.
- Music: vocals, instrumentalists for ensembles; requires an interview and rehearsals.
- Audio-Visual: "Testing 1-2-3..." the all-important behind the scenes role to assist us in distraction free worship; involves the setting up/tearing down of stands, a projector and screen, hooking up cables, manning the sound board, running the slide presentation, uploading sermons onto website.
- Graphic Design: creation of print and web media using standard design tools; media includes photography, video production, postcards, web banners, album art, and posters. This is obviously not related to serving on Sunday but affects communication to the entire church.
- Children: teachers and assistants; nursery, preparation from a curriculum, helping in a kids' choir, and much more. Background check required.
Each congregation has different needs based on their location. So all the above categories may not apply to each congregation. Please contact the church office to get more information about needs and contact people.
